Morocco seals record 3rd CHAN with 3-2 win over Madagascar
Morocco has clinched a record third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Madagascar in the final on August 30, 2025, at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi, Kenya; repeating their 2018 and 2020 title win as the tournament’s most decorated team.
The Atlas Lions, led by coach Hicham Dmiai showed their attacking skill in a tightly contested final. Oussama Lamlioui emerged as the hero, scoring twice, including a sensational 40-yard strike that excited the crowd.
His six goals throughout the tournament earned him the Golden Boot as the top scorer. Zakaria Ouahabi added the third goal, ensuring Morocco’s lead held firm despite a late rally from Madagascar.
Madagascar, competing in their first CHAN final, fought valiantly. Goals from Jean-Yves Razafindrakoto and Tendry Manovo kept the match in contention, but they couldn’t overcome Morocco’s clinical finishing and defensive resolve.
The 2024 CHAN, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, featured 18 teams vying for the title, which is exclusive to players competing in their domestic leagues. Morocco’s journey to the final included a dominant 5-2 semi-final win over Sudan, while Madagascar stunned Angola 3-1 to reach the decider.
The tournament, running from August 8 to August 30, drew significant crowds and showed the depth of talent in African domestic football. Morocco’s victory was celebrated widely on social media, with fans and analysts praising their attack, and Lamlioui’s standout performance.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) lauded the team’s achievement, noting their consistent excellence in the competition. “Morocco’s third CHAN title is a remarkable feat, reflecting their commitment to developing domestic talent,” a CAF spokesperson said.
Senegal secured third place by defeating Sudan 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in the third-place playoff match on August 29, 2025, at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, Uganda.
Sudan took the lead early through Mohamed Tia Asad’s header in the 6th minute, but Senegal equalized later in the game via a determined effort from their forwards. With no extra time in the playoff, the match went straight to spot kicks, where Senegal’s perfect execution, led by Joseph Layousse, Issa Kane, Vieux Cissé, and Libasse Guèye, took the victory.
This result gives the defending champions, from the 2022 edition, back-to-back CHAN medals, while Sudan, despite a strong semi-final run, finished fourth.
Written by Abeeb Lekan Sodiq
Abeeb Lekan Sodiq is a Managing Editor & Writer at theafricandream.net. He’s as well a Graphics Designer and also known as Arakunrin Lekan.
