2024 CHAN: Morocco eyes historic feats ahead of Senegal clash

Morocco is looking to further cement its status in African football after advancing to the semi-finals of the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN), staged across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

The Atlas Lions secured their place in the last four with a decisive victory over Tanzania, keeping alive their ambitions on multiple fronts.

Foremost among Morocco’s objectives is clinching a record third CHAN title, which would surpass Congo’s tally.

The Atlas Lions previously lifted the trophy in 2018 and 2021, with this year’s campaign gaining added significance after Morocco eliminated Congo from the competition.

Striker Osama Al-Malawi is also making headlines, currently topping the tournament’s scoring chart with four goals.

His performances evoke memories of past Moroccan heroes, including Ayoub Al-Kaabi, who netted nine goals in 2018, and Soufiane Rahimi, who scored five in 2021.

On the sidelines, coach Tariq Sektioui is chasing history himself, poised to become only the third Moroccan manager to lift the CHAN trophy, joining the ranks of Jamal Sellami and Hussein Ammouta.

A semi-final clash against Senegal on Tuesday evening offers Morocco a chance not only to showcase the strength of its coaching and squad but also to provide a morale boost for head coach Walid Regragui ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations, where the Atlas Lions hope to claim their first continental crown since 1976 in Ethiopia.