Morocco hold off inspired Madagascar to win third CHAN title

Oussama Lamlioui’s spectacular strike gave Morocco a record third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title as the Atlas Lions held off fierce underdogs Madagascar for a 3-2 victory in the final of the 2024 CHAN at Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya.

The RS Berkane forward collected a ball in midfield and produced an instinctive strike from fifty yards that caught Madagascar goalkeeper Michel “Toldo” Ramandimbisoa off his line for the decisive goal in the 80th minute.

It was a spectacular final as Madagascar, against all odds, provided spirited resistance against heavy favorites Morocco. Barea forward Felicite “Fely” Manohantsoa provided an early shock to the Moroccan team in the 9th minute with a splendid strike of his own from distance to electrify a large crowd in Nairobi.

But the Atlas Lions regained their composure and played their way back into the match. Patient and calm play was rewarded with an equalizer in the 27th minute when Youssef Mehri equalized with a towering header from Khalid Baba’s cross.

Morocco then snatched the lead just before halftime courtesy of Lamlioui, who was at the far post to collect a deflected cross before poking past Toldo.

But three halftime substitutions played a role in helping Madagascar stay in the game. More spirited defending and quick combination play from the Barea set the stage for a shock equalizer in the 68th minute. An early cross from Madagascar captain Nantenaina “Tony” Randiramanampisoa was cleverly flicked by the head of Fely to substitute “Toky” Rakotondraibe, who made no mistake with a sharp first touch and finish to make it 2-2.

The open and entertaining play continued but Lamlioui stole the spotlight with his incredible finish from far out after collecting a loose ball and firing over the head of Toldo, who could only get a slight hand to the ball that wasn’t strong enough to prevent the goal.

It is a record third CHAN title for Morocco while Madagascar come up just short in their first-ever final appearance at an African tournament.

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