David GOMBE
Morocco clinched their third African Nations Championship title after edging Madagascar 3-2 in the final held in Nairobi, Kenya.
The delayed 2024 CHAN tournament was co-hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania who will also host the 2027 African Cup of Nations.
Félicité Manouhantzua put Madagascar in the lead in the ninth minute with a long-range strike that beat Morocco goalkeeper Mehdi Al Harrar.
Youssef Mehri levelled matters for Morocco in the 27th minute with a header off a Khalid Baba cross, before Oussama Lamlioui made it 2-1 just before half-time after being fed by Mohamed Boulacsout.
Toky Rakotondribe brought game to level terms for Madagascar in the 68th minute, but Lamlioui broke their hearts with a superb strike ten minutes from time which is a contender for goal of the tournament.
It was also Lamlioui’s sixth goal of the campaign as he finished as the top scorer.
The victory sealed Morocco’s third CHAN crown, adding to their previous triumphs in 2018 and 2020 while Madagascar who were bronze medalists at the 2022 edition finished as runners up this term.
Senegal beat Sudan 4-2 on penalties to finish third after a 1-1 draw in normal time on Friday at Mandela National Stadium in Namboole.
Mohamed Rabie Hrimat was named best player of the tournament, while Oussama Lamlioui claimed the top goalscorer award.
Three of the continent’s most celebrated football icons Victor Wanyama (Kenya), Denis Onyango (Uganda) and Mrisho Ngasa (Tanzania) presented the trophy before the awarding ceremony.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino, Kenya President William Ruto and CAF President Patrice Mostepe all graced the final.
