By The Arusha News Reporter.
Morocco cemented its dominance in African football by defeating Madagascar 3–2 in a pulsating final of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), played before a full house at Kasarani Stadium, last Saturday evening.
The Atlas Lions, appearing in their third CHAN final, showcased a mix of tactical discipline, individual brilliance and mental resilience to overcome a spirited Malagasy side that had taken an early lead.
Madagascar stunned the Moroccans in the ninth minute when Félicité Manouhantzua pounced to score the opener. Morocco, unfazed by the early setback, quickly reorganised and levelled through Youssef Mehri’s towering header in the 27th minute. Just before the break, Oussama Lamlaoui put Morocco ahead with a clinical finish, swinging momentum firmly in their favour.
The second half brought more drama as Toky Rakotondraibe equalised for Madagascar in the 68th minute, reigniting the contest. Yet Morocco’s response was swift and emphatic as Lamlaoui struck again, this time with a spectacular 40-yard effort that caught the goalkeeper off his line, sealing both the match and his status as tournament top scorer with six goals.
Analysts from CAF’s Technical Study Group praised Morocco’s clarity of roles and tactical ruthlessness, noting that the midfield pairing of Mehri and Sabir Bougrine dictated tempo, ensured controlled possession and launched quick transitions that repeatedly unsettled the Malagasy defence.
Morocco absorbed pressure with composure, while their ability to execute rehearsed attacking patterns wore down their opponents. Lamlaoui’s decisive moments highlighted their unpredictability in attack, while their collective organisation underlined years of investment in coaching and youth development.
