Morocco edge Senegal on penalties to reach CHAN 2024 final

Morocco secured their place in the final of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 after a dramatic 5-3 penalty shootout victory over defending champions Senegal, following a tense 1-1 draw after extra time at Kampala’s Nelson Mandela National Stadium on Tuesday night.

The Atlas Lions, winners in 2018 and 2020, will face surprise finalists Madagascar in Saturday’s showdown in Nairobi. Madagascar booked their spot earlier in the day with a win over Sudan.

Senegal struck first in the 16th minute when Joseph Layousse rose above the Moroccan defense to head home Libasse Guèye’s corner. The youthful Senegalese side looked confident and organized in the opening exchanges.

Morocco responded swiftly. Just seven minutes later, Sabir Bougrine unleashed a thunderous strike from outside the box that flew into the top corner, leveling the match and shifting momentum in favor of the two-time champions.

Both teams had chances before halftime. Layousse narrowly missed another header for Senegal, while Anas Bach saw his effort saved by goalkeeper Marc Diouf. The first half ended 1-1.

The second half saw Morocco gradually dominate possession, though Senegal remained dangerous on set pieces. El Mehdi Al Harrar made crucial saves for Morocco, keeping out attempts from Layousse and Seyni Ndiaye, while Diouf thwarted efforts from Youssef Mehri and Oussama Lamlaoui at the other end.

As the match wore on, both sides brought on fresh legs—Ayoub Khairi and Salaheddine Errahouli for Morocco, Insa Boye and Ababacar Sarr for Senegal—but extra time produced few clear-cut opportunities. Lamlaoui’s header in the 119th minute was tipped over by Diouf, and Bonaventure Fonseca fired just over moments earlier.

The deadlock was settled from the spot. Morocco displayed clinical composure, converting all five penalties through Hrimat, Lamlaoui, Khairi, Bach, and Mehri.

Senegal faltered when captain Ndiaye struck the crossbar with the opening kick. Despite goals from Vieux Cissé, Baye Ciss, and Daouda Ba, Senegal could not catch up.

The 5-3 shootout win marks Morocco’s third CHAN final appearance in six years and ends Senegal’s hopes of a consecutive title.

Coach Tarik Sektioui praised his side’s resilience: “It was a tough match against the defending champions, but the players showed composure in the key moments. We have fought hard to reach this stage, and now we want to win the trophy again.”

Senegal coach Souleymane Diallo, meanwhile, expressed pride in his young squad: “This is a young generation writing its first chapter. They played with courage and discipline. Penalties are always cruel, but our future remains bright.”

Morocco now turns its attention to Saturday’s final against Madagascar at Nairobi’s Moi Sports Centre Kasarani. Senegal will regroup for the third-place playoff against Sudan in Dar es Salaam.

For Morocco, a victory offers a chance to reclaim continental glory and secure a third CHAN title. Senegal’s title defense may have ended, but their youthful side leaves Kampala with dignity and optimism for the future.