Lamlioui dedicates CHAN trophy to Moroccan people after downing Madagascar

Morocco national team forward Oussama Lamliou has dedicated the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) success to the Moroccan people after they secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory against Madagascar at Kasarani Stadium on Saturday.

The 29-year-old, who plays for RS Berkane, was voted Man of the Match after scoring a brace against the Islanders, and this accolade marked his second Man of the Match award, following his earlier recognition in the group stage against DR Congo, where he notched his first tournament brace.

“I thank the Moroccan supporters immensely,” Lamlioui said as quoted by CAFOnline.com. “We told them to trust us, and we’ve proved now that we were worthy of that trust.

“This is thanks to the efforts of my teammates. Without them, I would never have reached this stage. We’ve entered history after winning three CHAN titles. We dedicate this trophy to His Majesty King Mohammed VI.”

In a sold-out fixture at Kasarani attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Patrice Motsepe and Kenyan President William Ruto, Lamlioui put Morocco ahead in the 44th minute before Madagascar pulled level through Toky Rakotondraibe.

Lamlioui won the game for Morocco in the 80th minute when his superby effort from outside the 18-yard area found Madagascar keeper Michel Lalain’arinjaka off guard.