Lamlaoui Brace Seals Morocco’s Third TotalEnergies CHAN Title

Morocco secured a record third TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) crown after edging debut finalists Madagascar 3-2 in a thrilling final at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Saturday.

The Atlas Lions, champions in 2018 and 2020, had to dig deep against a spirited Malagasy side, but their pedigree and experience ultimately prevailed.

Star forward Oussama Lamlaoui was once again the hero, netting a brace including a spectacular 40-yard strike to finish as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals.

The victory handed Morocco the gold medal and a $3.5 million prize, while Madagascar’s fairytale run ended with silver and $1.2 million.

Madagascar stunned the champions with an early opener as Felicite Manohantsoa struck inside the opening nine minutes.

Morocco hit back swiftly through Youssef Mehri, finishing off a fine assist from Khalid Baba, before Lamlaoui gave the North Africans the lead.

The Malagasy, however, showed the resilience that had defined their campaign.

Against the run of play, Toky Rakotondraibe pounced on a defensive lapse midway through the second half to level matters, sending their travelling supporters into wild celebrations.

With the game finely poised, Lamlaoui delivered the decisive moment of brilliance. Spotting Madagascar goalkeeper Ramandimbisoa off his line, he unleashed an audacious 40-yard strike that sailed into the net, earning applause even from rival fans.

That wonder goal calmed Moroccan nerves, though Madagascar pressed late with two stoppage-time corners.

The Atlas Lions, however, stood firm to seal their third CHAN triumph in six years.

For Madagascar, it was a bittersweet conclusion to a remarkable journey. In just their second CHAN appearance, they became the first island nation and the 13th country overall to reach a CAF senior final.

Their counterattacking flair and mental fortitude highlighted in their extra-time semi-final win over Sudan, won them admiration across Africa despite falling just short of glory.

The final capped a landmark month-long tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda the first CHAN staged across three nations.

Packed stadiums, vibrant atmospheres, and high-quality football made PAMOJA 2024 a resounding success.

As fireworks lit up the Nairobi night sky, Morocco once again stood tallest, their blend of organisation, resilience, and Lamlaoui’s brilliance proving decisive.

For Madagascar, the silver medal marked heartbreak, but also the dawn of belief proof that African football fairytales are still possible.

Sports247.ng