Morocco, champions in 2018 and 2020, edged defending title holders Senegal 5–3 on penalties after a tense 1–1 draw in Kampala, while hours earlier in Dar es Salaam, debutants Madagascar secured their first-ever continental final berth with a dramatic extra-time winner against Sudan
Dar es Salaam. The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA will conclude with a historic final on Saturday in Nairobi, where Morocco and Madagascar will clash after both nations secured dramatic semi-final victories.
Morocco, champions in 2018 and 2020, edged defending title holders Senegal 5–3 on penalties following a tense 1–1 draw in Kampala. Hours earlier in Dar es Salaam, debutants Madagascar sealed their first-ever continental final berth with a dramatic extra-time winner against Sudan.
The semi-final between Morocco and Senegal lived up to expectations, with both sides displaying quality and resilience. Senegal struck first in the 16th minute when Joseph Layousse headed home, but Morocco equalised almost immediately, Sabir Bougrine unleashing a thunderous strike just seven minutes later.
Both teams created opportunities, but goalkeepers El Mehdi Al Harrar of Morocco and Marc Diouf of Senegal produced crucial saves to preserve the stalemate. Extra time could not separate the sides, forcing penalties to decide the outcome.
“We expected a very tough game because Senegal are champions for a reason. But when the moment of truth arrived, our players kept their focus. In big tournaments, it’s not only about tactics—it’s about keeping calm under pressure, and today they proved they could handle it,” said Morocco’s head coach Tarik Sektioui.
Madagascar’s fairy tale journey
In Dar es Salaam, Madagascar’s rise continued as they stunned Sudan 1–0 in extra time at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. The match had been cagey, with Sudan creating more chances but failing to convert.
The breakthrough came in the 116th minute when Fenohasina Razafimaro slipped a pass to substitute Toky Rakotondraibe, who calmly slotted past Sudanese goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja. The late strike sealed their maiden CHAN final appearance and sparked wild celebrations among the Malagasy players and supporters.
“We knew Sudan were strong physically, but we trusted our collective strength. Every match, we’ve shown that discipline and togetherness can take us far. That winning goal summed up our spirit—we never stopped believing,” said Madagascar head coach Romuald Rakotondrabe.
Rakotondrabe added that Madagascar no longer see themselves as underdogs:
“People may have doubted us at the start, but the players have proved that we belong here. Now we are in the final, and we are ready to fight for the title,’ he said.
Nairobi showdown awaits
The CHAN 2024 final will be played at the Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi, marking the first time the competition’s decider is staged in East Africa.
Morocco will aim to cement their dominance with a third title, while Madagascar will chase the dream of becoming the first island nation to lift the trophy. Meanwhile, Senegal and Sudan will battle in the third-place playoff in Kampala tomorrow , seeking to finish their campaigns on a positive note.
With Morocco’s pedigree up against Madagascar’s fearless rise, Saturday’s clash promises a spectacle that embodies the spirit of CHAN’s first-ever East African edition.
