Morocco beat Madagascar to win record third CHAN title

Morocco lifted their record third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title after edging Madagascar 3-2 in a thrilling final on Saturday. Oussama Lamlioui’s decisive strike in the 80th minute sealed victory for the Atlas Lions in front of a packed crowd at the Kasarani Stadium.

Madagascar, playing their first-ever CHAN final, stunned the holders early when Felicite Manohatsoa unleashed a spectacular long-range effort in the ninth minute. Morocco responded through Youssef Mehri, who raced clear of the Malagasy defence to equalise midway through the first half.

Shortly before half-time, Berkane forward Oussama Lamlioui put Morocco in front, showing the instinct that made him the tournament’s standout player.

The underdogs weren’t done yet, though. Substitute Toky Rakotondraibe, the hero of Madagascar’s semi-final win over Sudan, struck midway through the second half to level the game at 2-2. With extra time looming, Lamlioui produced another decisive finish in the 80th minute to secure his brace and Morocco’s place in history.

Morocco’s Golden Year in Football

The victory caps off a remarkable year for Moroccan football:

• The national U-17 team won the Africa Cup of Nations.
• The U-20 side reached the final of their continental tournament.
• Now the Atlas Lions have claimed another CHAN crown, adding to their 2018 and 2020 triumphs.

Lamlioui finished the tournament as top scorer with six goals, underlining Morocco’s dominance across all levels of the game.

Looking Ahead: AFCON 2025 in Morocco

Morocco’s focus will now shift to hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2025), their first time staging the event since 1988. The competition kicks off on December 21, with the Atlas Lions eager to build on the momentum of their CHAN success and recent achievements at youth level.

Related News: South Africa end title drought with historic U-20 AFCON triumph over Morocco

Key Takeaways

• Morocco beat Madagascar 3-2 to win the 2025 CHAN final in Nairobi.
• Oussama Lamlioui scored twice, including the 80th-minute winner.
• The win gives Morocco a record third CHAN title (2018, 2020, 2025).
• Victory continues a golden period for Moroccan football ahead of AFCON 2025 on home soil.

SportsLigue