Four players to watch in the CHAN 2024 final
Saturday’s TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) final in Nairobi will not only crown a champion — it will create legends.
Morocco, the two-time winners, face Madagascar, the surprise package whose epic journey has captured the imagination of the continent.
Beyond the tactics of Tarik Sektioui and Romuald Rakotondrabe, four players — and one honourable mention — are ready to tip the balance of history.
Morocco’s Sharp Edge: Oussama Lamlioui
At just 26, Oussama Lamlioui has become the most feared striker at CHAN 2024. With four goals and a Man of the Match performance against DR Congo, he has been Morocco’s cutting edge.
Deadly in the box, Lamlioui is known for making one chance count. Whether it is a darting run behind defenders or a powerful header from nowhere, his composure has been Morocco’s most reliable weapon.
Coach Sektioui described him perfectly: “He’s a silent leader, but speaks with his feet and changes games.”
For Madagascar’s defenders and their heroic goalkeeper Toldo, keeping Lamlioui quiet may be the hardest assignment of their careers.
The Brain Behind the Roar: Youssef Belammari
While Lamlioui scores the goals, Youssef Belammari makes them possible.
The 27-year-old midfielder has already provided two assists, but his real contribution lies in his intelligence: dictating tempo, threading vertical passes, and balancing defence with attack.
Often overlooked, Belammari is Morocco’s silent architect.
Against Madagascar, his duel with Nicolas Randriamanampisoa in midfield could prove decisive. If Belammari finds space to create, Lamlioui will find the goals.
Madagascar’s Relentless Engine: 
Madagascar’s fairytale run has been built on collective spirit, but at its core is Rijaniaina Nicolas Randriamanampisoa.
Nicknamed “The Engine of the Barea”, the 28-year-old defensive midfielder has been tireless.
In the semi-final against Sudan, he posted an 88% pass completion rate and recovered ten balls — a performance that won him the TotalEnergies Man of the Match award.
Nicolas is more than numbers: he provides calm when the team looks anxious and resilience when the odds seem impossible.
“We are the first generation to do this,” he said with pride after reaching the final. “It is history for Madagascar.”
Stopping Morocco’s slick midfield rotations will require every ounce of Nicolas’ discipline and drive.
The Super-Sub Hero: Toky Rakotondraibe
Every great story has an unexpected hero. For Madagascar, that man is Toky Rakotondraibe.
The 23-year-old came off the bench in the semi-final and, in the 116th minute, scored the goal that carried his country to its first-ever CHAN final.
Cool under pressure, Toky is the wildcard.
He may not start in Nairobi, but if the game drags into extra time, his fresh legs and knack for seizing moments could once again turn the script.
The Wall of Antananarivo: Toldo
No fairytale is complete without a guardian, and for Madagascar that role belongs to Michel Ramandimbisoa Toldo.
At 29, the veteran goalkeeper has been a pillar of calm under fire. Against Sudan, his four vital saves ensured the dream stayed alive.
Strong in the air, fearless in one-on-one duels, and unflinching under pressure, Toldo represents the resilience of his nation.
If Saturday’s final drifts toward penalties, Madagascar will look to him as their last line — and maybe their first hope.
More Than a Final
This CHAN 2024 final is more than a clash of tactics. It is the story of Morocco’s pedigree against Madagascar’s belief.
It is Lamlioui’s precision against Toldo’s reflexes, Belammari’s vision against Nicolas’ grit, and perhaps the late drama of Rakotondraibe.
When the whistle blows at Nairobi’s Moi International Sports Centre, every pass and every save will be loaded with history.
For some, it will be the beginning of a legend. For others, it will be the fulfilment of a dream.