Morocco clinched a historic third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title after edging Madagascar 3-2 in a thrilling final at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Kenya.

The Atlas Lions, champions in 2018 and 2020, were pushed to the limit by a resilient Madagascar side, but their experience eventually made the difference.

Star striker Oussama Lamlaoui struck twice, including a sensational 40-yard winner, to finish as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals.

The victory earned Morocco the gold medal and a USD 3.5 million prize. Madagascar took silver and USD 1.2 million after a spirited debut run.

The final kicked off at a frenetic pace, with Madagascar scoring early in the 9th minute through Felicite Manohantsoa.

Morocco responded through Youssef Mehri, who slotted home after an assist from Khalid Baba, before Lamlaoui fired them into the lead.

Madagascar equalised midway through the second half when Toky Rakotondraibe capitalised on a defensive error to make it 2-2.

The decisive moment came late, when Lamlaoui spotted goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa off his line and launched a stunning 40-yard strike.

The audacious goal silenced the stadium, even drawing applause from Madagascar’s fans and bench — a fitting winner in a pulsating final.

Madagascar pressed for a third, forcing two late corners in stoppage time, but Morocco held firm to seal their third CHAN title in six years.

It was a bittersweet end for Madagascar, whose dream run inspired fans across the continent.

In just their second CHAN appearance, they became the first island nation and 13th country to reach a CAF senior final.

Their direct counterattacks and mental strength — including an extra-time win over Sudan — earned them admiration throughout the tournament.

This final wrapped up a thrilling month-long event co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania — the first time CHAN spanned three countries.

Attendance was high, atmospheres were electric, and the football remained competitive till the last whistle.

As fireworks lit up Nairobi, Morocco stood tallest again, with discipline, tactical solidity and Lamlaoui’s brilliance proving key.

For Madagascar, silver marked both heartbreak and hope — proof that fairytales still happen in African football.

Morocco’s Mohamed Rabie Hrimat was named Man of the Competition for his consistent midfield dominance, leadership and two key goals.

Lamlaoui clinched the Top Scorer award, finishing ahead of South Africa’s Thabiso Kutumela, Uganda’s Allan Okello, and Algeria’s Soufiane Bayazid, who each scored three goals.

Senegal received the Fair Play trophy for exemplary conduct and sportsmanship throughout the tournament.

The Teranga Lions’ discipline was recognised by CAF as the three-nation CHAN co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda ended on a high. 

(NAN)