Senegal will be itching to make their second consecutive CHAN final, while Morocco will be looking to make ammends for their failiure to make the 2022 edition by qualifying for their third-ever final.

Tuesday in Kampala will stage a heavyweight showdown at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) as Morocco face Senegal in the semi-finals. 

It is the first-ever CHAN meeting between the two nations, yet it carries the weight of history. The tie brings together the winners of the last three editions: Morocco, champions in 2018 and 2020, and defending champions Senegal, who lifted their maiden title in 2022.

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Morocco have been ruthless so far, winning all four of their matches, including a hard-fought 1-0 quarter-final victory over co-hosts Tanzania.

 Striker Oussama Lamlaoui has been their talisman, scoring in three consecutive games. Another strike would make him the first Moroccan to score in four straight CHAN matches and only the third to net five goals at a single edition after Ayoub El Kaabi in 2018 and Soufiane Rahimi in 2020. 

Behind him, Youssef Mehri has been pulling the strings in midfield, leading the tournament with three assists and 10 chances created, while Youssef Belammari has chipped in with two more assists. Morocco’s backline has conceded just three goals in four matches, with two clean sheets to their name.

Senegal, guided by coach Pape Thiaw, edged co-hosts Uganda 1-0 in their quarter-final, extending their unbeaten run to eight CHAN games. 

They have scored only three goals in four matches this edition, but each strike has come in the second half and from a different scorer. 

Their strength lies in defence. Goalkeeper Marc Diouf has been crucial, particularly in the quarter-final where he made five saves, his highest tally so far. 

They have conceded just once in the tournament and could record a fourth consecutive clean sheet, something they last achieved en route to their 2022 triumph.

This semi-final is a battle of contrasts. Morocco’s attack has been the most prolific among the semi-finalists, producing nine goals and registering 29 shots on target with an 18% conversion rate. 

They have won their last five encounters against West African opponents at CHAN, a streak that includes dominant displays over Nigeria, Guinea, Togo, and Mali. In fact, they have scored 17 goals in those five matches, conceding only seven.

Senegal, however, are masters of discipline and tournament management. They may not score freely — with just nine shots on target all tournament, the lowest of the semi-finalists — but they know how to win tight games.

 Their last three open-play knockout victories, including the 2022 semi-final against Madagascar, have all ended 1-0. They also boast a strong record in shootouts, having beaten Algeria on penalties to claim the title two years ago.

Morocco are targeting a third CHAN final appearance, which would put them ahead of DR Congo, Ghana, and Mali in the all-time standings. 

They have lost just once in their last 18 CHAN matches and have never gone to penalties in the competition. Their knockout pedigree is formidable, with seven wins from eight matches.

Senegal, on the other hand, are seeking to become only the second defending champions to return to the final after Morocco did so in 2020.

 They are unbeaten in their last four knockout matches, none of which have seen them concede a goal. Both of their previous semi-finals were drawn, before one was won and one was lost on penalties. 

Victory would make them just the fifth nation to reach two CHAN finals, and a step closer to defending their crown.

Morocco’s attacking trio of Lamloui, Mehri, and Belammari will test Senegal’s defensive wall led by Marc Diouf in goal. 

The Atlas Lions’ ability to create chances at will contrasts sharply with Senegal’s compact backline and counter-punching style. Midfield will be pivotal: Mehri’s creativity against Senegal’s physicality could determine the flow of the game. Oumar Ba, who scored the winner against Uganda and drew five fouls in that match, will again be key to stretching Morocco’s defence.

The much-anticipated semi-final will be broadcast live in Kenya on KBC Channel 1, with regional coverage available on Azam TV. 

Across Africa, fans can follow the action on SuperSport via DStv and GOtv. Kick-off is scheduled for 8:00 PM EAT at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.