Lamlioui leads Golden Boot race as CHAN 2024 heads into final weekend

Morocco’s Oussama Lamlioui has taken control of the race for the Golden Boot at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024, with four goals to his name heading into Saturday’s final.

The RS Berkane forward, who has been Morocco’s talisman throughout the tournament, struck in three consecutive matches and also scored in the semi-final shootout against Senegal.

His clinical finishing has kept the Atlas Lions on course for a third CHAN title, and he now stands as the competition’s leading scorer.

Just behind him are South Africa’s Thabiso Kutumela and Uganda’s Allan Okello, both eliminated but leaving their mark with three goals each.

Kutumela carried Bafana Bafana’s attack before their early exit, while Okello’s goals inspired Uganda’s historic run to the quarter-finals.

Madagascar’s Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa and Sudan’s Ahmed Omer are among those on two goals, joined by Morocco’s Mohamed Hrimat and Sabir Bougrine, Algeria’s Soufiane Bayazid, and Kenya’s Austin Odhiambo and Ryan Ogam.

Madagascar’s Fenohasina Razafimaro and Toky Rakotondraibe also boosted their tallies to two goals, ensuring the island nation has multiple threats going into Saturday’s final.

The statistics underline the depth of talent on display at CHAN 2024. In total, more than 60 players have found the net, representing nations from every corner of the continent — from debutants Kenya to seasoned forces like Algeria, Nigeria and DR Congo.

For Lamlioui, however, the opportunity is clear: one more goal in the Nairobi final would not only put Morocco closer to lifting the trophy but also cement his status as CHAN 2024’s undisputed top scorer.

Madagascar’s forwards, meanwhile, will be aiming to spoil that script as the first island nation to reach a CAF senior final.

The Golden Boot race, like the trophy itself, will be decided on Saturday — and Lamlioui holds the advantage.

Top scorers list at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024:

Players with 4 Goals

• Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco)

Players with 3 Goals

• Thabiso Kutumela (South Africa)

• Allan Okello (Uganda)

• Soufiane Bayazid (Algeria)

Players with 2 Goals

• Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa (Madagascar)

• Mohamed Hrimat (Morocco)

• Jephte Kitambala (DR Congo)

• Sabir Bougrine (Morocco)

• Kaporal (Angola)

• Clement Mzize (Tanzania)

• Austin Odhiambo (Kenya)

• Ryan Ogam (Kenya)

• Ahmed Omer (Sudan)

• Toky Rakotondraibe (Madagascar)

• Fenohasina Razafimaro (Madagascar)