Morocco and Madagascar set for historic CHAN final showdown
Morocco will face Madagascar in the David vs. Goliath final of the 2024 Championship of African Nations (CHAN) on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Atlas lions overcome champions in penalty thriller
The North Africans, two-time winners of this tournament, qualified for the final by dethroning cup holders Senegal in a dramatic semi-final clash. After 120 minutes that ended 1-1, Morocco held their nerve to win 5-3 in a penalty shootout at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole, on Tuesday night. Senegal took an early lead when defender Layousse Samb powered a header home in the 16th minute.
However, their joy was short-lived, as Sabir Bougrine leveled the score just seven minutes later with a spectacular goal. In the tense shootout, Morocco were flawless, converting all their penalties through Mohamed Hrimat, Oussama Lamlioui, Ayoub Khairi, Anas Bach, and Youssef Mehri. Senegal’s fate was sealed when Seyni Mbaye Ndiaye rattled the crossbar with their opening kick. Vieux Cisse, Baye Ciss, and Daouda Ba scored their subsequent penalties, but it was not enough.
Madagascar’s gritty Ten-Man triumph
They will face the tournament’s surprise package, Madagascar, who battled their way to a historic first-ever CHAN final with a spirited 1-0 victory over Sudan after 120 minutes of grueling football. The match at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium in Dar es Salaam was turned on its head when Madagascar’s Fenohasina Razafimaro received a second yellow card in the 79th minute, reducing his side to ten men. Despite the numerical disadvantage for over 40 minutes, including all of extra time, Madagascar held firm. The deadlock was finally broken in the 116th minute when Toky Rakotondraibe scored the decisive goal, sending Sudan crashing out and writing a new chapter for Malagasy football.
Upcoming fixtures
The tournament concludes with the bronze medal match on Friday, August 29, 2025, where Sudan will take on Senegal at the Mandela National Stadium, Namboole. All eyes will then turn to the final in Nairobi, where Morocco will eye a record-extending third title against the defiant underdogs from Madagascar.
