JUST IN: MOROCCO CLINCH RECORD THIRD CHAN TITLE WITH 3-2 VICTORY OVER MADAGASCAR

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By: Sefiu Ajape

Morocco cemented their dominance of the African Nations Championship after clinching a record third title with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Madagascar in Saturday’s final at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

The Atlas Lions, winners in 2018 and 2020, were stretched by the debutant finalists but leaned on their pedigree, experience, and the brilliance of star striker Oussama Lamlaoui, who netted twice to finish as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals.

Among his contributions was what will be remembered as the defining moment of the 2025 CHAN.

“With Madagascar pushing higher in search of an equaliser, Lamlaoui spotted goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa off his line and unleashed a stunning 40-yard strike that sailed into the net,” a post-match report on the CAF Online website revealed.

The strike, applauded by fans and even Malagasy players, sealed Morocco’s gold medal and the $3.5 million prize, while Madagascar’s gallant run ended with silver and a $1.2 million payout.

How the final unfolded
The clash began at a high tempo, with Morocco striking first inside 15 minutes through Lamlaoui, who finished off a precise Youssef Mehri pass.

Madagascar, whose fairytale run had captivated the continent, hit back when Toky Rakotondraibe pounced on a defensive lapse to equalise.

Parity, however, did not last. Sabir Bougrine restored Morocco’s lead before halftime with a drilled finish past Ramandimbisoa, again assisted by Mehri.

Lamlaoui’s wonder strike extended the Atlas Lions’ lead in the second half, but Madagascar refused to give in. Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa pulled one back with 12 minutes to go, setting up a tense finale.

The islanders pressed hard in stoppage time, winning two late corners, but Morocco’s defence held firm to secure their third CHAN crown in six years.

Historic contrasts
The win underlined Morocco’s status as CHAN’s most successful team.

For Madagascar, though, it was both heartbreak and history.

“In just their second CHAN appearance, they became the first island nation and the 13th country overall to reach a CAF senior final,” CAF noted.

Their fearless counterattacking style, highlighted by a dramatic extra-time semi-final win over Sudan, won admiration across Africa and signaled a new chapter for Malagasy football.

Legacy of PAMOJA 2024
The 2025 edition capped a month-long tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, the first time CHAN had been staged across three nations.

With electrifying crowds and packed stadiums, PAMOJA 2024 showcased African football at its finest.

As fireworks lit up Nairobi, Morocco stood tallest, blending resilience, organisation, and Lamlaoui’s magic to lift the trophy.

For Madagascar, silver was more than consolation — it was living proof that “fairytales can still be written in African football.”