The race for the Golden Boot at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 is heating up as Morocco and Madagascar prepare to clash in Saturday’s final in Nairobi.
A total of 15 players remain in the spotlight, with Morocco’s Oussama Lamlioui currently leading the top scorers’ chart.
The Golden Boot race, much like the trophy itself, will be decided on Saturday — and Lamlioui holds the upper hand.
The RS Berkane forward has been Morocco’s talisman, scoring four goals in the tournament, including strikes in three consecutive matches and a crucial penalty in the semi-final shootout against Senegal.
Oussama Lamlioui Leads CHAN 2024 Golden Boot Race Ahead of Morocco vs Madagascar Final
His consistency has kept the Atlas Lions on course for a record third CHAN title, making him the frontrunner for the Golden Boot heading into the final.
One more goal in the CHAN final would not only edge Morocco closer to lifting the trophy but also cement his status as the tournament’s undisputed top scorer.
The Atlas Lions’ campaign, however, did not get off to a smooth start. They opened with a 1-0 defeat to hosts Kenya in Nairobi, leaving them facing an uphill battle to survive the group stage. Yet from adversity came opportunity.
Lamlioui stepped up against the Democratic Republic of Congo in what was effectively a knockout clash. He struck twice in a commanding 3-1 victory, restoring belief in the squad and securing Morocco’s progression.
He has produced eight shots on target, delivered five key passes, and been at the heart of nearly every major attacking move Morocco has created.
Also Read: Morocco vs Madagascar: Battle for CHAN Trophy and What Could Decide the 2024 Final
Against Tanzania in the quarterfinals, when the game hung in the balance, he was again the match-winner, pouncing on a clever assist by Youssef Belammari to score the only goal.
It was his third strike of the tournament and proof that Morocco’s road to the semi-finals has Lamlioui’s fingerprints all over it.
At 25, Lamlioui is already seasoned by continental football, having played for RS Berkane and won African titles at the club level.
Other Players Leading CHAN 2024 Top Scorers Race
Behind him are South Africa’s Thabiso Kutumela, Uganda’s Allan Okello, and Algeria’s Soufiane Bayazid, all on three goals.
Kutumela carried Bafana Bafana’s attack despite their early exit, while Okello inspired Uganda’s historic run to the quarterfinals. Bayazid, on the other hand, kept Algeria competitive before their elimination.
Also Read: Kwesi Appiah: Profile of Veteran Coach Who Propelled Sudan to CHAN Semis
A strong chasing pack of players sits on two goals each, including Madagascar’s Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa, Toky Rakotondraibe, and Fenohasina Razafimaro, who have powered the island nation into its first-ever CAF senior final.
Morocco’s Mohamed Hrimat and Sabir Bougrine, Kenya’s Austin Odhiambo and Ryan Ogam, DR Congo’s Jephte Kitambala, Angola’s Kaporal, Tanzania’s Clement Mzize, and Sudan’s Ahmed Omer also feature in this group.
Madagascar’s forwards, meanwhile, will be aiming to spoil Lamlioui’s script as the first island nation to reach a CAF senior final.
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