Morocco clinched the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) title after overcoming a resilient Madagascar side 3-2 in a thrilling final at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium on Saturday, August 30.
The victory, witnessed by thousands of fans, cemented Morocco’s dominance in the tournament, making them the first country to lift the CHAN trophy three times, following previous triumphs in 2018 and 2020.
The match however, began with an early shock as Madagascar’s Félicité Mantasoa found the net in the 9th minute, handing the island nation a dream start.
Morocco responded strongly and equalised in the 27th minute through Youssef Mehri, who rose to head home. Just before halftime, Oussama Lamlioui struck in the 44th minute to give the Atlas Lions a 2-1 lead going into the break.
Madagascar refused to bow out quietly. Their captain, Toky Rakotondraibe, scored in the 68th minute to level the match once again, setting up a tense finale.
Morocco, however, had the decisive moment. Lamlioui scored his second of the night in the 80th minute to restore the advantage and secure a 3-2 victory, sparking celebrations among the Moroccan fans inside Kasarani Stadium.
The result confirmed Morocco as CHAN 2024 champions, adding another major accolade to their football history. It also marked a milestone for the Atlas Lions, who have now won the tournament three times ; in 2018, 2020 and 2024 making them the most successful nation in the competition’s history.
Since their debut in 2014, Morocco have now featured in five CHAN tournaments: 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2024, although they missed the 2022 edition. Ranked 12th in the FIFA world rankings, Morocco were the first host nation to win CHAN in 2018 and the first to retain the trophy with back-to-back victories in 2018 and 2020.
The team is currently managed by coach Tarik Sektioui.
The African Nations Championship, commonly known as CHAN, is a continental tournament designed to showcase home-based players from across Africa’s domestic leagues. The 2024 edition, staged in Kenya, ran from August 2 to August 30 and concluded with Morocco’s dramatic 3-2 triumph over Madagascar in the final.
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