Morocco have been crowned champions of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a pulsating 3-2 victory against Madagascar in the final held in Nairobi, Kenya.
The contest started explosively, with Félicité Manouhantzua giving Madagascar an early lead in the ninth minute with a stunning long-range strike that beat Moroccan goalkeeper Mehdi Al Harrar.
The Atlas Lions responded in the 27th minute as Youssef Mehri nodded in a Khalid Baba cross to level the score. Just before the break, Oussama Lamlioui put the Atlas Lions ahead, converting a precise delivery from Mohamed Boulacsout.
Madagascar fought back in the 68th minute through Toky Rakotondribe, bringing the match back to parity.
However, Lamlioui, the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, sealed the triumph with a sensational long-range strike ten minutes from time, handing Morocco their third CHAN crown following successes in 2018 and 2020.
In the third-place play-off, Senegal edged past Sudan 4-2 in a penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw in regulation time.
Mohamed Rabie Hrimat was named the tournament’s best player, while Lamlioui took home the top goalscorer award.
As a reward for their success, each member of the Moroccan squad will receive $60,000, as promised by the Moroccan Football Federation.
