Nairobi. Morocco cemented their place as kings of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) after edging debut finalists Madagascar 3-2 in a thrilling final at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Saturday evening.
The Atlas Lions, winners in 2018 and 2020, became the first nation to lift the CHAN trophy three times, underlining their dominance in a tournament reserved exclusively for players plying their trade in their domestic leagues.
Their victory brought to an end a month of drama and excitement in the first-ever CHAN edition co-hosted across three East African countries — Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Once again, it was Oussama Lamlaoui who proved decisive.
The prolific forward, already the tournament’s top marksman, struck twice — including an audacious 40-yard wonder goal — to take his tally to six and seal the Golden Boot award.
His clinical display epitomised Morocco’s pedigree and big-match temperament.
Morocco Strike Early, Madagascar Respond
The final was played at a frenetic tempo from the outset. Madagascar, competing in just their second CHAN campaign, stunned the North Africans by taking the lead inside nine minutes through Felicite Manohantsoa, sending their travelling supporters into delirium.
But Morocco hit back almost instantly. Youssef Mehri drew the Atlas Lions level, finishing neatly from a Khalid Baba assist, before Lamlaoui capitalised on sustained pressure to fire his side into the lead before the break.
The Malagasy, however, were not content to play the role of plucky underdogs.
Toky Rakotondraibe pounced on a defensive lapse midway through the second half to restore parity, showing the resilience that had carried them past Sudan in an exhausting semi-final.
Lamlaoui’s Moment of Magic
With the game finely poised, Lamlaoui conjured the defining moment of the tournament.
Spotting Malagasy goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa off his line, he unleashed an outrageous strike from nearly 40 yards that arrowed into the net.
The stadium erupted in awe as even opposition players applauded the sheer audacity of the effort.
That wonder goal effectively broke Malagasy resistance.
Despite a flurry of late corners and relentless pressure deep into stoppage time, Morocco’s defensive discipline ensured their historic third crown in just six years.
A Tale of Contrasts
For Madagascar, it was a bittersweet finale to an otherwise fairytale run.
In becoming the first island nation — and the 13th African country overall — to reach a senior Confederation of African Football (CAF) final, they won admiration across the continent for their fearless counterattacking style and mental resilience.
Morocco, meanwhile, extended their golden era in continental football.
The triumph adds to the North African nation’s impressive record of investment in football infrastructure, youth academies and domestic competition.
Their CHAN dominance complements Morocco’s broader rise, which saw their senior men’s team make history by reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Legacy of PAMOJA 2024
The Nairobi final was also a fitting climax to PAMOJA 2024, the first CHAN to be staged across three nations.
Crowded stadiums, festive atmospheres and competitive football reflected the tournament’s success.
The co-hosting arrangement was seen as a rehearsal for greater East African ambitions, particularly as Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania prepare to stage the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
As fireworks lit the Nairobi sky, Morocco’s players celebrated their coronation as CHAN’s most successful side. For Madagascar, though heartbroken, their silver medal represents the dawn of new possibilities, a sign that African football’s fairytales remain aliv
