🇲🇦 Morocco Edge Madagascar 3-2 to Claim Record Third CHAN Title

Morocco’s Atlas Lions reaffirmed their dominance in African football by clinching a record third TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) crown with a gripping 3-2 victory over Madagascar at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Zig Diaries Sports
Date: Suday, 31 August 2025

Time: 10:00 WAT
Location: 📍 Nairobi, Kenya

The North Africans, champions in 2018 and 2020, were pushed to the limit by debut finalists Madagascar, but a moment of audacity from star striker Oussama Lamlaoui sealed glory.

Lamlaoui struck twice, including a breathtaking 40-yard lob, to finish as tournament top scorer with six goals. His brilliance delivered Morocco the gold medal and USD 3.5 million in prize money, while Madagascar’s gallant run ended with silver and USD 1.2 million.

The match opened at a furious tempo. Madagascar drew first blood inside nine minutes through Felicite Manohantsoa, before Morocco struck back as Youssef Mehri levelled and Lamlaoui put them in front. Toky Rakotondraibe restored parity for the islanders midway through the second half, capitalising on a Moroccan defensive lapse.

But with tension mounting, Lamlaoui produced the game’s defining moment. Spotting Malagasy keeper Michel Ramandimbisoa off his line, he unleashed a thunderous strike from 40 yards that arrowed into the net , a goal that drew applause even from opposition fans.

Madagascar threw everything forward in the dying minutes, forcing late corners and roars from their travelling supporters. But Morocco held firm to secure their third CHAN title in six years, underlining a dynasty built on resilience, discipline and individual brilliance.

For Madagascar, it was heartbreak with history. In just their second CHAN appearance, they became the first island nation to reach a CAF senior final, showcasing counterattacking flair and mental toughness that earned admiration across the continent.

The final also closed out a remarkable PAMOJA 2024 tournament, the first CHAN co-hosted by three nations, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The atmospheres were electric, the stadiums full, and the football pulsating to the last whistle.

As fireworks lit up Nairobi’s skyline, Morocco stood tallest again. Yet for Madagascar, their silver medal felt like a beginning, proof that fairytales still breathe in African football.

Fact-Check & Background Context:

Morocco are indeed CHAN champions in 2018, 2020 and now 2025, making them the only nation to win three titles.

Prize money figures are accurate based on CAF’s official tournament allocation.

Madagascar became the first island nation to reach a CAF senior men’s tournament final.

PAMOJA 2024 was historically the first CHAN jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, a deliberate CAF experiment ahead of AFCON 2027.

🏷️Tags: Morocco, Madagascar, CHAN 2025, African football, CAF, Nairobi final

#ZigDiariesSports #CHAN2025 #Morocco #Madagascar #AfricanFootball