By 
The TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 will climax with a historic showdown in Nairobi, as two-time champions Morocco face debut finalists Madagascar in Saturday’s grand finale.
Morocco’s road to the final hasn’t been anything but smooth, but their pedigree carried them through. Drawn in a tough group alongside hosts Kenya, DR Congo, Angola and Zambia, the Atlas Lions finished second after three wins and a narrow defeat to the hosts. That was enough to push them into the knockouts.
In the quarterfinals, Morocco faced Tanzania in Dar es Salaam. In a tense encounter against the home side, the Atlas Lions relied on composure and discipline, eventually grinding out a 1–0 victory to move into the last four.
The semifinal against defending champions Senegal proved to be their sternest test. Joseph Layousse’s 16th-minute header put the Teranga Lions in front, but Sabir Bougrine levelled just seven minutes later with a thunderous strike. Both sides pushed through 120 minutes of high drama, with goalkeepers El Mehdi Al Harrar and Marc Diouf making crucial saves. The game was finally settled on penalties, where Morocco were flawless—converting all five kicks through Hrimat, Lamlaoui, Khairi, Bach and Mehri—while Senegal’s Seyni Ndiaye rattled the crossbar with their opener. The 5–3 shootout win sent Morocco into their third CHAN final in six years.
If Morocco’s path showcased experience, Madagascar’s was pure adventure. Placed in a group with Tanzania, Burkina Faso, Mauritania and the Central African Republic, the islanders showed resilience. A decisive 2–1 victory over Burkina Faso proved pivotal, securing runner-up status and passage into the quarterfinals.
In Nairobi, they met hosts Kenya in a dramatic quarterfinal. After a late equaliser from Fenohasina Razafimaro forced extra time, penalties were required to settle the contest. Goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa emerged the hero, pulling off key saves, while Toky Rakotondraibe coolly slotted home the decisive kick to complete a famous victory.
Their semifinal against Sudan in Dar es Salaam added another magical chapter. Playing much of the game under pressure and even reduced to ten men, Madagascar held on with grit. Then, with just four minutes left in extra time, Razafimaro threaded a perfect pass into Rakotondraibe, who held his nerve to beat Mohamed Abooja and send Madagascar into their first-ever continental final.
The final at Nairobi’s Moi International Sports Centre promises a fascinating clash of pedigree and passion. Morocco will be chasing a third CHAN crown, having triumphed in 2018 and 2020, while Madagascar dream of becoming the first island nation to lift the trophy.
Before the curtain falls, Senegal and Sudan will meet in the third-place playoff on Friday at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, both hoping to salvage pride after valiant semifinal exits.
