From Early Setback to Final Glory: Morocco’s journey to TotalEnergies CHAN 2024 title
Morocco lifted a record third TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) crown after edging Madagascar 3-2 in a thrilling final at Nairobi’s Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Saturday night.
The Atlas Lions, already champions in 2018 and 2020, were once again inspired by star forward Oussama Lamlaoui, whose brace — including a stunning 40-yard winner — sealed their place in history.
From Setback to Spark in Nairobi
The campaign began with an inspiring 2-0 win over a strong Angolan side before
a shock 1-0 defeat to co-hosts Kenya in their opening group game at Kasarani.
The result raised questions about Morocco’s readiness and forced coach Tarik Sektioui to recalibrate.
“That game showed us that in CHAN there is no room for distractions. We had to return to basics: organisation, patience, and efficiency,” a member of the coaching staff reflected.
That wake-up call proved decisive in setting the tone for Morocco’s revival.
Redemption Against DR Congo
Days later in Nairobi, Morocco reasserted themselves with successive 3-1 victories over Zambia and DR Congo that sealed their progress to the knock out stages.
In that game against the Congolese, Lamlaoui struck twice, while captain Mohamed Rabie Hrimat added a penalty.
The performance showcased controlled possession and ruthless finishing, underlining that the Atlas Lions remained serious contenders.
The win secured progression to the knockout stages and restored belief within the squad.
Tactical Triumph in Dar es Salaam
The quarter-final against hosts Tanzania tested Morocco’s tactical maturity.
In front of a partisan 41,000 crowd at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Morocco relied on organisation and mental strength.
A disciplined display delivered a narrow 1-0 win, with Hrimat again central to their midfield dominance.
Sektioui described it as a battle of minds: “We knew it would be a tactical battle. We played with our heads, because at this stage the mind matters as much as the legs.”
Penalty Drama Against Senegal
In the semi-final, Morocco faced holders Senegal in Kampala. Layousse gave Senegal an early lead, but Bougrine equalised with a thunderbolt from distance.
Goalkeepers El Mehdi Al Harrar and Marc Diouf produced heroic saves, and after 120 tense minutes, the tie went to penalties.
Morocco kept their nerve, converting all five spot-kicks, while Senegal captain Seyni Ndiaye hit the crossbar.
The 5-3 shootout win booked Morocco’s third CHAN final in six years.
Coach Sektioui hailed his players’ resilience: “The players showed composure in the key moments. We have fought hard to reach this stage, and now we want to win the trophy again.”
Final Glory in Nairobi
The final against Madagascar proved the perfect climax.
The Barea struck first through Felicite Manohantsoa after just nine minutes, but Morocco responded with Youssef Mehri’s equaliser.
Lamlaoui then put the Atlas Lions ahead before Toky Rakotondraibe levelled again for Madagascar.
With the match on a knife-edge, Lamlaoui delivered the decisive blow.
Spotting goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa off his line, he unleashed a spectacular 40-yard strike that sealed Morocco’s 3-2 victory and the championship trophy.
Lamlaoui finished the tournament as Golden Boot winner with six goals, while Hrimat’s leadership earned him the Best Player award.
A Legacy Secured
By winning CHAN 2024, Morocco became the most successful team in the competition’s history, surpassing DR Congo’s two titles.
The Atlas Lions proved once again that pedigree, resilience, and tactical nous define champions.
Sektioui’s men not only reclaimed continental dominance but also set a benchmark for future generations, ensuring Morocco’s name remains synonymous with CHAN excellence.
