Morocco clinched a record third African Nations Championship (CHAN) crown on Saturday after Oussama Lamlioui’s late strike sealed a thrilling 3-2 victory over Madagascar in the final at Nairobi’s Kasarani Stadium.
First-time finalists Madagascar stunned the crowd when Felicite Manohatsoa fired in from long range in the ninth minute. But Morocco equalised in the 27th, with Youssef Mehri racing clear of the defence to level matters.
Berkane forward Lamlioui then put the Atlas Lions ahead just before half-time.
Substitute Toky Rakotondraibe, who netted Madagascar’s semi-final winner against Sudan, dragged his side back into contention midway through the second half.
However, Lamlioui, who finished as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, struck again with ten minutes to play, clinching both his brace and Morocco’s historic third title following previous wins in 2018 and 2020.
The closing ceremony was attended by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Patrice Motsepe, and Kenya’s President William Ruto, who jointly presented the trophy.
The victory capped a remarkable year for Moroccan football. Their youth teams lifted the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations and reached the Under-20 final, while the country prepares to host the senior AFCON in December – the first time since 1988.