Morocco clinched their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title with a thrilling 3-2 win over Madagascar in Nairobi. Oussama Lamlioui sealed the victory with a late goal on Saturday.
Madagascar, playing their first-ever final, shocked the crowd in the ninth minute. Felicite Manohatsoa fired a stunning long-range strike to give them an early lead.
The Atlas Lions quickly responded. Youssef Mehri broke through the Malagasy defense and scored the equalizer in the 27th minute, delighting the Kenyan crowd.
Just before halftime, Lamlioui scored to put Morocco ahead for the first time.
Madagascar fought back in the second half. Substitute Toky Rakotondraibe, their semifinal hero against Sudan, leveled the game once again.
With only ten minutes left, Lamlioui struck again. His sixth goal of the tournament secured Morocco’s 3-2 win and their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) crown, matching their 2018 and 2020 triumphs.
This victory crowns an exceptional year for Moroccan football. Their youth teams reached the Under-20 final and won the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations. Morocco now prepares to host the senior AFCON for the first time since 1988, starting December 21.
