The Atlas Lions of Morocco have clinched their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) crown in dramatic fashion, edging Madagascar 3-2 in a pulsating final at the Moi International Sports Centre on Saturday.
The game began with a shocker as debut finalists Madagascar struck first. In just the 9th minute, midfielder Félicité Manouhantzua unleashed a thunderous long-range effort that left Moroccan goalkeeper Mehdi Al Harrar rooted to the spot.
Morocco, however, soon found their rhythm. A well-delivered cross from Khalid Baba in the 27th minute was expertly headed home by Youssef Mehri, pulling the champions level.
Minutes before halftime, the North Africans seized control when Oussama Lamlioui tucked in a neat finish from Mohamed Boulacsout’s assist, sending Morocco into the break with a 2-1 advantage.
The spirited Malagasy side refused to fold. They fought back strongly, and in the 68th minute, Toky Rakotondribe slotted in the equaliser to make it 2-2, igniting fresh hope for an upset.
But Morocco’s experience proved decisive. With ten minutes left on the clock, Lamlioui who would finish as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals—struck again, this time with a stunning long-range strike that restored Morocco’s lead. The Atlas Lions held firm in the closing stages, weathering late pressure to seal a memorable victory.
The triumph writes another golden chapter in Moroccan football history, adding to their 2018 and 2020 CHAN titles, and reinforcing their status as the most successful nation in the competition’s history.
Head coach Tarik Sektioui hailed his team’s resilience in a high-pressure contest.
“It was never easy, but the boys showed character. Coming from behind in a final like this says everything about their mentality,” he said after the match.
For Madagascar, despite the heartbreak, reaching their maiden CHAN final marked a historic achievement and a glimpse of a bright future in African football.
