Morocco’s Oussama Lamlaoui has been crowned Puma Top Scorer of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after netting twice in the Atlas Lions’ thrilling 3-2 victory over Madagascar in Saturday’s final.
The 29-year-old striker struck in the 44th and 80th minutes, taking his tournament tally to six goals, enough to secure Morocco a record third CHAN crown and put him clear of South Africa’s Thabiso Kutumela, Uganda’s Allan Okello and Algeria’s Soufiane Bayazid, who each finished with three goals.
Consistency Behind Morocco’s Success
Lamlaoui proved pivotal throughout Morocco’s campaign under coach Tarik Sektioui, he scored in the group stage against Zambia, DR Congo and hosts Tanzania, before keeping his nerve in the semi-final shootout against Senegal.
In total, he contributed 6 goals and one assist in four matches, consistently stepping up in decisive moments.
His award underscores years of experience with RS Berkane, where he has been a regular scorer both in the Botola Pro and on the continental stage.
Continuing Morocco’s Golden Tradition
By winning the Golden Boot, Lamlaoui follows in the footsteps of Aymen Mahious (Algeria, 2022), while also continuing Morocco’s proud tradition of CHAN top scorers. Soufiane Rahimi (2020) and Ayoub El Kaabi (2018) previously claimed the award, with El Kaabi setting a tournament record of eight goals.
That means Morocco have now produced three of the last four Golden Boot winners, underlining their dominance of the competition.
Impact Beyond CHAN
Lamlaoui’s form is not confined to the national team, at club level, he was key to RS Berkane’s CAF Confederation Cup triumph, scoring six times in 10 matches, including a crucial semi-final strike against Simba SC. He has also netted 10 goals in 21 league games, helping Berkane secure a domestic double.
Such performances have intensified calls for him to graduate to Morocco’s senior national team.
With former CHAN stars like Rahimi and El Kaabi making successful transitions, Lamlaoui may be the next forward to step onto the biggest stage.
A National Team Hopeful
Coach Sektioui praised his striker after the final:
“Oussama is a player who knows how to read the game and handle decisive moments. That’s what makes him special.”
As Morocco prepare for upcoming AFCON and World Cup qualifiers, Lamlaoui’s sharp movement, intelligent positioning and composure in front of goal strengthen his case for selection.
Leaving Nairobi as both match-winner and Golden Boot holder, Lamlaoui has etched his name into CHAN history — and positioned himself as Morocco’s next attacking reference point.
