Morocco vs Madagascar: Experience meets debutants in CHAN 2024 final

Morocco have booked their place in the final of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after defeating defending champions Senegal 5-3 on penalties.

The match, played at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium, ended 1-1 after extra time.

The Atlas Lions, who previously won the trophy in 2018 and 2020, will now face Madagascar in Saturday’s final in Nairobi, while Senegal will take on Sudan in the third-place playoff in Dar es Salaam.

Senegal opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Joseph Layousse headed home from a corner.

Morocco equalised seven minutes later through Sabir Bougrine, who struck a stunning shot into the top corner.

Both sides created chances before the break, but Layousse missed a close-range header and Morocco’s Anas Bach was denied by goalkeeper Marc Diouf.

The second half was a cagey contest as both teams tightened their defenses. Morocco enjoyed more possession, while Senegal continued to look threatening on set pieces. Goalkeepers on both sides played key roles, with El Mehdi Al Harrar saving Morocco on several occasions and Diouf producing fine stops to keep his team alive.

Extra time brought more tension, with Lamlaoui’s late header saved brilliantly by Diouf and Senegal’s Bonaventure Fonseca shooting narrowly over.

In the penalty shootout, Morocco were perfect, converting all five of their kicks through Hrimat, Lamlaoui, Khairi, Bach and Mehri. Senegal’s captain Seyni Ndiaye missed the opening spot-kick, hitting the crossbar, and though his teammates later scored, the early error left them trailing.

Morocco sealed the victory 5-3, reaching their third CHAN final in six years and ending Senegal’s bid for back-to-back titles.

After the game, Morocco’s coach Tarik Sektioui praised his players’ composure and fighting spirit, while Senegal’s coach Souleymane Diallo said his young squad had shown courage and promised a bright future despite the painful loss.

The final between Morocco and Madagascar will take place on 30th of August in Zanzibar.