The TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 is nearing its conclusion, with only one match remaining to determine the new champions. Morocco and Madagascar will clash in the grand finale at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi on Saturday, August 30, in a contest that promises history on either side.
Morocco, also known as the Atlas Lions, is chasing its third CHAN title in six years, while Madagascar (the Barea) is seeking a fairytale finish in their first-ever final—and the first for an island nation in the competition’s history.
Before the final match, Senegal and Sudan will face off in the third-place playoff on Friday in Kampala.
Morocco Edges Senegal to Reach the Final
Morocco advanced to the final after edging defending champions Senegal on penalties at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. Champions in 2018 and 2020, the Atlas Lions held their nerve in a tense shootout on Tuesday night, winning 5-3 after the match ended 1-1 in extra time.
It was the first-ever CHAN meeting between the two African giants. Senegal struck first through Joseph Layousse Samb in the 16th minute, but Morocco responded just seven minutes later when Sabir Bougrine unleashed a strike into the top corner—his second goal of the tournament.
Drama unfolded when Morocco’s Marouane Louadni was shown a straight red card for fouling Vieux Cisse, but the decision was later overturned after review.
Morocco’s Road to the Final
Morocco’s journey has been steady and familiar, travelling across the three co-hosts—Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda—while relying on their experience, composure, and tactical balance.
Striker Oussama Lamlaoui has scored in three consecutive matches, while playmaker Youssef Mehri leads the tournament in assists. The Atlas Lions have also built a strong record against West African opposition, winning five consecutive CHAN games since 2016, scoring 17 goals and conceding only seven in those fixtures.
In this year’s tournament, Morocco has scored 10 goals and recorded the most shots on target among the semi-finalists. They have played six matches, averaging 1.7 goals per game, with six assists and a possession rate of 57.2 percent—evidence of their attacking dominance and tactical control.
Placed in Group A with hosts Kenya, DR Congo, Angola, and Zambia, Morocco finished second after three wins and a narrow defeat to Kenya. In the quarterfinals in Tanzania, they edged the Taifa Stars 1-0 in a closely fought battle.
Morocco – Key Facts
· Four wins so far, including a 1-0 quarterfinal victory over Tanzania.
· Could register five wins in a single edition for the third time (2018, 2020).
· A semifinal win would also mean four straight victories in one tournament for the second time (after 2020).
· Reaching the final would make it three appearances (2018, 2020, 2024), more than DR Congo, Ghana, or Mali (two each).
· Knockout record: P8 W7 L1, with their only loss against Nigeria in 2014.
Also Read: Crowned in Kenya: Nairobi Stages CHAN 2024’s Grand Finale
Madagascar’s Historic Run
Madagascar’s fairytale run saw them qualify for their first-ever CHAN final after defeating Sudan 1-0 in extra time in Dar es Salaam. Despite being reduced to ten men, the Barea held firm and snatched victory through substitute Toky Rakotondraibe, who struck in the 116th minute to secure a famous win.
The islanders, who finished third in their only previous CHAN outing three years ago, began strongly against Sudan, dominating possession and creating early chances.
The match shifted in the 79th minute when Fenohasina Razafimaro was sent off for a second bookable offence. With the advantage, Sudan piled on the pressure but could not find a way through, and Rakotondraibe’s late goal sealed Madagascar’s historic achievement.
Group Stage and Quarterfinal Drama
Madagascar were drawn in Group B alongside Tanzania, Mauritania, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic. They opened with a draw, bounced back with two wins, and suffered a defeat before finishing second in the group.
Their quarterfinal against Kenya was a dramatic showdown at a packed Moi International Sports Centre. After Alphonce Omija gave the hosts the lead, Razafimaro equalised from the spot.
The game went to penalties, where veteran goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa, 39, produced vital saves as Madagascar won 4-3 to eliminate the debutant hosts.
Also Read: Kwesi Appiah: Profile of Veteran Coach Who Propelled Sudan to CHAN Semis
Madagascar by the Numbers
The Barea have played six matches, scored seven goals at an average of 1.2 per game, and conceded four. With three clean sheets, three assists, and an average possession rate of 47.8 percent, Madagascar have shown resilience and tactical discipline, thriving on counter-attacks and defensive solidity.
Their first clash came in the group stages of the 2022 edition, in a three-team group that also included Ghana. Madagascar won that decisive encounter 3-0 to advance as group winners alongside Ghana.
Madagascar – Key Facts
- Reached their second consecutive semi-final.
- Unbeaten in their last four games (W3 D1).
- Just one defeat in their last seven matches (W4 D2 L1).
- Their only previous semi-final ended in a 1-0 defeat to the eventual champions, Senegal, in 2022.
- Record in knockout rounds: P4 W3 L1 (including penalty shootouts).
- Only knockout defeat came against Senegal in the 2022 semi-finals.
- Their quarter-final win over Kenya was their first game decided on penalties.
- Has become only the second COSAFA member to reach the CHAN final, after Angola in 2011.
- Also the first island nation to reach the final.
- Bono Rabearivelo attempted 72 passes and had 112 touches vs Kenya, both tournament highs for a Madagascar player.
- Attempted 476 passes vs Kenya, their highest in a CHAN match.
- Scored in their last five games, never before in five consecutive matches.
- Led the semi-finalists in tackles won (58) and duels won (268).
A Final of Two Philosophies
The CHAN 2024 final is more than just a football match—it is a clash of philosophies. Morocco brings experience, tactical discipline, and firepower, while Madagascar relies on collective spirit, resilience, and heart.
Only one will lift the trophy in Nairobi, and history will be made either way.
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