Morocco are through to the final of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 after edging out reigning champions Senegal 5-3 on penalties following a dramatic 1-1 draw after extra time on Tuesday night at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
The two-time champions held their nerve in a tense shootout, converting all five of their penalties to seal a spot in Saturday’s final against Madagascar in Nairobi. The result ends Senegal’s bid for back-to-back titles and marks Morocco’s third CHAN final appearance in just six years.
Senegal took an early lead through Joseph Layousse, who headed home from a corner in the 16th minute. The West Africans, boasting a dynamic young squad, looked confident and well-organised in the opening stages. But Morocco responded swiftly — Sabir Bougrine fired a sensational long-range strike into the top corner just seven minutes later, levelling the score and shifting momentum.
Chances flowed for both sides, with Layousse missing a second header and Moroccan forward Anas Bach denied by a sharp save from Senegalese goalkeeper Marc Diouf before halftime.
The second half was tense and tactical, with Morocco controlling possession but Senegal threatening on set-pieces. Both goalkeepers — El Mehdi Al Harrar for Morocco and Diouf for Senegal — delivered crucial saves to keep the score level. As extra time wore on and fatigue set in, Morocco nearly stole it at the death when Oussama Lamlaoui’s header was brilliantly tipped over by Diouf in the 119th minute.
With nothing to separate the sides after 120 minutes, the match was decided from the penalty spot. Morocco were flawless. Youssef Hrimat, Lamlaoui, Ayoub Khairi, Bach, and Youssef Mehri all converted. Senegal's captain Seyni Ndiaye struck the crossbar with their first attempt, and although teammates Vieux Cissé, Baye Ciss, and Daouda Ba scored, it wasn't enough.
Coach Tarik Sektioui praised his Moroccan side's composure: “It was a tough match against the defending champions, but the players showed character. We’ve come a long way and now have a chance to make history again.”
Senegal's coach Souleymane Diallo remained proud of his youthful squad: “They showed courage and discipline. This was a learning experience — our future is bright.”
Morocco now face Madagascar — CHAN 2024’s surprise package — in Saturday’s final at Nairobi’s Moi Sports Centre Kasarani. Senegal will contest the third-place playoff against Sudan in Dar es Salaam.
With their eyes set on a third CHAN crown, Morocco are one step away from cementing their dominance in the competition's modern era.
