Morocco secured a record third TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) crown after edging debut finalists Madagascar 3-2 in a pulsating final at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Saturday.
The Atlas Lions, champions in 2018 and 2020, were pushed to their limits by a spirited Malagasy side but ultimately their pedigree and star power proved decisive.
Lamlaoui the Difference
Tournament top scorer Oussama Lamlaoui delivered another decisive performance, scoring twice — including a breathtaking 40-yard winner — to finish with six goals.
His audacious strike in the closing stages sealed Morocco’s gold medal and USD 3.5 million prize money, while Madagascar’s fairytale run ended with silver and USD 1.2 million.
A Final Full of Drama
Madagascar stunned the holders by taking the lead after just nine minutes through Felicite Manohantsoa, sparking wild celebrations among their fans.
Morocco quickly hit back, with Youssef Mehri equalising from Khalid Baba’s pass before Lamlaoui fired them ahead before half-time.
The underdogs refused to fold, though, and drew level in the second half when Toky Rakotondraibe pounced on a defensive lapse.
At 2-2, the contest was finely poised until Lamlaoui produced the tournament’s defining moment, lobbing goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa from distance in a strike applauded by both sets of supporters.
Despite late pressure, including two stoppage-time corners, Morocco held firm to claim their third title in six years.
History Makers
While Morocco celebrated another triumph, Madagascar left Kasarani with their heads held high; in only their second CHAN appearance, they became the first island nation — and the 13th team overall — to reach a CAF senior final.
Their fearless counterattacking style and resilience, typified by their extra-time semi-final win over Sudan, earned them admiration across the continent.
A Tournament to Remember
The final also marked the end of an extraordinary PAMOJA 2024 tournament, the first CHAN co-hosted by three countries — Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
Packed stadiums, electric atmospheres and competitive football defined the month-long showcase, capped by Morocco’s latest triumph.
As fireworks lit up the Nairobi sky, Morocco once again stood tallest — their organisation, resilience and Lamlaoui’s brilliance proving decisive.
For Madagascar, defeat was bittersweet, but their silver medal provided hope and inspiration that African football’s fairytales are still being written.