Morocco secured a file third TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) crown after edging debut finalists Madagascar 3-2 in an exhilarating remaining on the Moi Worldwide Sports activities Centre, Kasarani, on Saturday.
The Atlas Lions, champions in 2018 and 2020, needed to dig deep in opposition to a spirited Malagasy facet, however their pedigree and expertise finally prevailed.
Star ahead Oussama Lamlaoui was as soon as once more the hero, netting a brace together with a spectacular 40-yard strike to complete because the match’s prime scorer with six objectives.
The victory handed Morocco the gold medal and a $3.5 million prize, whereas Madagascar’s fairytale run ended with silver and $1.2 million.
Madagascar surprised the champions with an early opener as Felicite Manohantsoa struck contained in the opening 9 minutes.
Morocco hit again swiftly by Youssef Mehri, ending off a tremendous help from Khalid Baba, earlier than Lamlaoui gave the North Africans the lead.
The Malagasy, nevertheless, confirmed the resilience that had outlined their marketing campaign.
In opposition to the run of play, Toky Rakotondraibe pounced on a defensive lapse halfway by the second half to degree issues, sending their travelling supporters into wild celebrations.
With the sport finely poised, Lamlaoui delivered the decisive second of brilliance. Recognizing Madagascar goalkeeper Ramandimbisoa off his line, he unleashed an audacious 40-yard strike that sailed into the online, incomes applause even from rival followers.
That marvel purpose calmed Moroccan nerves, although Madagascar pressed late with two stoppage-time corners.
The Atlas Lions, nevertheless, stood agency to seal their third CHAN triumph in six years.
For Madagascar, it was a bittersweet conclusion to a outstanding journey. In simply their second CHAN look, they grew to become the primary island nation and the thirteenth nation general to achieve a CAF senior remaining.
Their counterattacking aptitude and psychological fortitude highlighted of their extra-time semi-final win over Sudan, gained them admiration throughout Africa regardless of falling simply wanting glory.
The ultimate capped a landmark month-long match co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda the primary CHAN staged throughout three nations.
Packed stadiums, vibrant atmospheres, and high-quality soccer made PAMOJA 2024 a convincing success.
As fireworks lit up the Nairobi evening sky, Morocco as soon as once more stood tallest, their mix of organisation, resilience, and Lamlaoui’s brilliance proving decisive.
For Madagascar, the silver medal marked heartbreak, but additionally the daybreak of perception proof that African soccer fairytales are nonetheless attainable.
