Morocco secured a record-breaking third TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) title after a thrilling 3-2 victory over debutants Madagascar in a pulsating final at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Saturday.
The Atlas Lions, previous champions in 2018 and 2020, were tested to the limit by a resilient Madagascar side. However, the seasoned Moroccan squad’s experience ultimately prevailed, as they held off the spirited challenge to clinch the prestigious title once more.
Star striker Oussama Lamlaoui proved to be the match-winner, scoring twice, including a sensational 40-yard strike that secured his place as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals. Morocco's victory earned them a gold medal and a prize of $3.5 million, while Madagascar’s historic run ended in silver, with a consolation prize of $1.2 million.
The final kicked off at a frenetic pace, with Morocco making an early statement. Within 15 minutes, Lamlaoui opened the scoring with a clinical poacher's finish after Youssef Mehri threaded a precise through ball past the Malagasy defense. Despite Morocco’s dominance, Madagascar showed why they had reached the final. In a moment of defensive fragility from Morocco, Toky Rakotondraibe seized the opportunity to equalize, sending Malagasy fans into a frenzy.
However, Morocco regained the lead just minutes later. Mehri once again turned provider, setting up Sabir Bougrine, who calmly slotted the ball past Malagasy goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa to make it 2-1 before halftime. The game took another dramatic twist in the second half, as Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa, Madagascar’s creative spark throughout the tournament, calmly finished to equalize at 2-2 in the 68th minute, setting up a tense finale.
With the match poised on a knife edge, Lamlaoui produced the game’s defining moment. Spotting Ramandimbisoa off his line, the Moroccan forward unleashed a breathtaking 40-yard shot that sailed into the net, sending the stadium into raptures. The audacious goal, which left both fans and opponents in awe, ultimately proved to be the difference, as Morocco held on despite late Malagasy pressure. Two deep corners in stoppage time failed to break the Moroccan defense, allowing them to clinch their third CHAN title in six years.
For Madagascar, this defeat was a bitter disappointment but also a monumental achievement. The island nation, in only their second-ever CHAN appearance, became the first island country and the 13th overall to reach a CAF senior final. Their inspiring counter-attacking play, coupled with their mental strength — especially after edging past Sudan in extra time in the semifinals — earned them admiration from across Africa.
The 2024 edition of CHAN, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, marked a historic moment as the tournament was staged across three countries for the first time ever. The competition was filled with high-energy football, packed stadiums, and fierce competition until the very last whistle. As the final fireworks lit up Nairobi, Morocco emerged victorious once again, proving that their blend of resilience, tactical organization, and Lamlaoui’s brilliance was the winning formula.
Despite the heartbreak, Madagascar’s silver medal represents a monumental step forward for the nation's footballing ambitions. Their remarkable journey to the final serves as a beacon of hope, proving that African football still holds room for surprises and fairytales.
As Morocco celebrates a historic third CHAN title, the legacy of PAMOJA 2024 will live on, with the competition once again highlighting the growing power and passion of African football.
