By Grace Mulili
NAIROBI, Kenya – Morocco have been crowned 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) champions after beating Madagascar 3-2 in the final played at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya.
Félicité Manouhantzua put Madagascar ahead in the ninth minute with a long-range strike past goalkeeper Mehdi Al Harrar.
Youssef Mehri equalised for Morocco in the 27th minute with a header from a Khalid Baba cross, before Oussama Lamlioui made it 2-1 just before half-time, converting Mohamed Boulacsout’s delivery.
Toky Rakotondribe brought Madagascar level again in the 68th minute, but Lamlioui – the tournament’s top scorer with six goals – struck a superb long-range winner ten minutes from time.
The final was also attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe.
The victory sealed Morocco’s third CHAN crown, adding to their previous triumphs in 2018 and 2020.
In the play-off match played on Friday at the Nelson Mandela Stadium, Namboole in Uganda, the 2023 winners Senegal beat Sudan 4-2 in penalty shoot-outs after a 1-1 draw.
