Morocco Crowned CHAN 2024 Champions After Epic Final in Nairobi

Nairobi, Kenya — Morocco cemented their place in African football history after lifting a record third TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) title, edging Madagascar 3-2 in a thrilling final at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The Atlas Lions, who had previously won the competition in 2018 and 2020, showed once again why they are the most formidable force in CHAN football. Inspired by star forward Oussama Lamlaoui, who scored twice including a spectacular long-range winner, Morocco rose from an early setback in the tournament to claim continental glory.

Morocco’s campaign started on shaky ground, with a surprise 1-0 defeat to co-hosts Kenya in their opening group-stage clash at Kasarani. The loss sparked doubts over their readiness but also served as a crucial turning point.

“That game showed us that in CHAN there is no room for distractions. We had to return to basics: organisation, patience, and efficiency,” a member of the coaching staff noted.

The wake-up call ignited Morocco’s revival, sharpening their focus for the rest of the competition.

Seven days later at Nyayo Stadium, Morocco reasserted themselves with a commanding 3-1 victory over DR Congo. Lamlaoui netted twice, while captain Mohamed Rabie Hrimat calmly converted a penalty to seal the win.

The performance, marked by controlled possession and ruthless finishing, restored belief within the squad and ensured their progression to the knockout stages.

In the quarter-finals, Morocco faced co-hosts Tanzania in Dar es Salaam’s Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, where 41,000 home fans created a charged atmosphere.

The Atlas Lions, however, relied on discipline and tactical maturity to grind out a 1-0 victory, with Hrimat once again dominating the midfield. Coach Tarik Sektioui later described it as “a battle of minds,” emphasising the importance of mental strength at this stage of the competition.

The semi-final against holders Senegal in Kampala provided another stern test. Senegal’s Layousse opened the scoring, but Morocco’s Ahmed Bougrine equalised with a thunderous long-range strike.

After 120 minutes of tension, the clash went to penalties. Both goalkeepers — Morocco’s El Mehdi Al Harrar and Senegal’s Marc Diouf — pulled off stunning saves, but it was Senegal captain Seyni Ndiaye’s miss, crashing his effort against the crossbar, that sealed Morocco’s 5-3 shootout triumph.

“The players showed composure in the key moments,” said Sektioui. “We have fought hard to reach this stage, and now we want to win the trophy again.”

The final against Madagascar’s Barea lived up to expectations, producing one of the most exciting CHAN finals to date.

Madagascar stunned Morocco with an early strike from Felicite Manohantsoa inside nine minutes, but Youssef Mehri equalised swiftly. Lamlaoui then put Morocco in front, only for Toky Rakotondraibe to level for the Barea.

With the game delicately poised, Lamlaoui produced a moment of magic — spotting Madagascar goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa off his line, he unleashed a breathtaking 40-yard strike that flew into the net, sealing Morocco’s 3-2 victory and their third CHAN crown.

Lamlaoui, Morocco’s talisman, finished as the Golden Boot winner with six goals, including two in the final. Captain Hrimat’s consistency, leadership, and midfield mastery earned him the Best Player award, while Morocco’s defensive organisation throughout the tournament underscored their tactical superiority.

With this triumph, Morocco became the most successful team in CHAN history, surpassing DR Congo’s two titles. Their journey — from an early group-stage defeat to continental glory — showcased resilience, tactical nous, and an unbreakable winning mentality.

Coach Sektioui’s squad not only reclaimed African dominance but also set a new benchmark for future generations, ensuring that the name Morocco remains synonymous with CHAN excellence.