NAIROBI-(MaraviPost)-Morocco are the new champions of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) for the third time in history after edging out Madagascar 3-2 in a pulsating final played at the Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi on Saturday evening.
The Atlas Lions showed their pedigree in continental football, surviving a late scare from Madagascar to lift the coveted trophy once again, having previously won it in 2018 and 2020.
The match was nothing short of entertaining, with both sides attacking from the first whistle.
Morocco took the lead midway through the first half through captain Ayoub El Kaabi, who fired home a powerful strike after a well-worked team move.
However, Madagascar equalized just before the break through Rakoto Andrianantenaina, sending their traveling supporters into wild celebrations.
In the second half, Morocco restored their lead thanks to a clever finish from Ismail El Haddadi before substitute Hicham Boudaoui extended the advantage in the 73rd minute to make it 3-1.
Madagascar refused to give up, pulling one back late in the 88th minute through Olivier Randrianarisoa to set up a tense finale, but Morocco’s defense held firm to secure the narrow victory.
The win cements Morocco’s dominance in CHAN history, making them the first nation to win the tournament three times.
