RS Berkane's Oussama Lamlioui scored in either half of the game against Madagascar to help Morocco secure their third CHAN trophy. The North Africa
RS Berkane’s Oussama Lamlioui scored in either half of the game against Madagascar to help Morocco secure their third CHAN trophy.
The North Africans were the hot favourites heading into the competition because of their track records in the history of the tournament.
After missing out in the 2023 version, Morocco were determined to return home with the trophy, having shown complete seriousness right from their first game against Angola.
Madagascar opened the scoring, unsurprisingly, with Manohantsoa’s 9th-minute strike. Madagascar had already shocked the well-organised Sudan and the co-host nation, Kenya, so they were in full confidence facing Morocco.
Youssef Mehri of Berkane equalised in the 27th minute for Morocco. Red-hot Oussama Lamlioui put the North Africans in front on the stroke of half-time.
Madagascar went into the game a goal down and knew they must come out with a different approach to level the score. After knocking on Morocco’s door for a while, Rakotondraibe levelled the score in the 68th minute to send the minnows bench into a delirium.
Game on with a little over 20 minutes to end the game.
Lamlioui, who has been tormenting every defence, decided to make life difficult for his opponents by putting Morocco ahead in the 80th minute. The goal was always going to be a difficult one for the impressive Madagascar to deal with.
Morocco defended well and protected their lead to clinch their third title, becoming the most successful side to have won it in 2018, 2020, and now 2023. D.R. Congo has won the competition twice, with Tunisia, Libya and Senegal having one title each.
The victory strengthens Morocco’s position as probably the most improved nation in football on the continent since 2018.
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