Nairobi, Kenya: Morocco was crowned 2024 champions of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) for the third time after defeating Madagascar 3-2 in a thrilling final at Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani Stadium in Nairobi, Kenya.

The match took place on Saturday, August 30, 2025, and was a significant event, drawing thousands of Kenyan fans to the stadium for the grand finale. 

Morocco’s Atlas Lions edged Madagascar 3-2 in a thrilling final at a packed Kasarani Stadium on Saturday night, securing their third CHAN crown and cementing their place as the most successful nation in the tournament’s history. The victory sealed Morocco’s third CHAN crown, adding to their previous triumphs in 2018 and 2020.

The Morocco head coach Tarik Sektioui credited the passionate support of Kenyan fans for playing a vital role in his side’s record-breaking triumph at the CHAN 2024.

Sektioui, whose team spent three weeks in Kenya during the month-long tournament, praised the warm reception his side received throughout their stay.

“We were given a warm welcome by the Kenyan people, who supported us and showed us wings,” Sektioui said during a media interview after the final. “I thank the fans back home, but also the Kenyan fans who made us feel at home here.”

Kenya was eliminated by Madagascar in the quarter-finals, so, they naturally rallied behind Morocco in the final creating an electric atmosphere that really spurred the Atlas Lions forward.

During group stage matches, Kenya beat Morocco 1-0 to top group A with 10 points followed by Morocco with 9 points. It was only Kenya’s team Harambee Stars who beat the Morocco’s the Atlas Lions in the whole tournament

Madagascar struck first through Clavin Félicité Manouhantzua, sparking wild celebrations among their fans. The 1-0 lead in favour of Madagascar’s the Barea, seemed to have stamped the team as chasing their first title drew the first blood.

Manouhantzua put Madagascar ahead in the ninth minute with a long-range strike past Morocco’s goalkeeper Mehdi Al Harrar. Youssef Mehri equalised for Morocco in the 27th minute with a header from a Khalid Baba cross, before Oussama Lamlioui made it 2-1 just before half-time, converting Mohamed Boulacsout’s delivery.

Oussama Lamlioui struck at the stroke of half-time gave the two-time champions Morocco a pivotal 2-1 lead over Madagascar at half-time in the CHAN 2024 final match at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

However, Toky Rakotondribe brought Madagascar level again in the 68th minute, but Lamlioui – the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, struck a superb long-range winner ten minutes to the final whistle.  

That is how Morocco secured a record third CHAN 2024 title after overcoming first-time finalists Madagascar 3-2. This earned them the title and the Ksh.455 million (US$3.5 million) prize money.

Though Morocco had previously lost to Madagascar at the CHAN 2022, Sektioui dismissed notions of revenge after the final whistle.

“No revenge in football. It is all about the moments, which are most important. We respected them as much as every opponent, took it seriously, and knew it was not going to be easy because they deserved to be in the final,” the coach explained.

Morocco’s journey to the title included eliminating reigning champions Senegal in the semi-finals. Madagascar, meanwhile, earned widespread respect for their giant-killing run, which saw them oust hosts Kenya and Sudan before falling just short at the final hurdle.

With previous titles in 2018, 2020 and now 2024, Morocco now stands alone as the only nation to lift the CHAN trophy three times. 

In the third-place play-off, Senegal beat Sudan 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in normal time. This means Senegal won bronze in penalty shoot-out, while Madagascar bagged the silver medal in second place.

Mohamed Rabie Hrimat was named best player of the tournament, while Oussama Lamlioui claimed the top goal-scorer award.

Lamlioui’s brace not only delivered the trophy but also confirmed his Golden Boot tally of six goals. Morocco walked away with US$ 3.5million in prize money, a fitting reward for their historic feat. 

CHAN 2024 award winners include: Mohamed Hrimat (Morocco) for the Player of the Tournament award, Oussama Lamlioui (Morocco) for the Puma Top Scorer with 6 goals, and Marc Diouf (Senegal) for the Golden Gloves (Best Goalkeeper). Senegal also received the Fair Play award.

These are just a few key awards listed but there were many more individuals recognized for their performance and achievements.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrived in Nairobi ahead of the CHAN 2024 final, marking his first official visit to Kenya since taking over the reins of world football in 2016.

Infantino, who has led FIFA since February 2016 and is also a member of the International Olympic Committee, landed on Friday August 29 and was received by Football Kenya Federation (FKF) president Hussein Mohammed. 

Describing the visit as “a historic moment for Kenya,” Mohammed said Infantino’s presence underlines FIFA’s growing confidence in the country’s ability to host major football events.

The FIFA President was the chief guest on Saturday, 30th during the final between Madagascar and two-time champions Morocco at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani. 

The high-stakes clash, kicked off at 6:00pm local time or 1800hrs EAT concluding a month-long tournament that began on Sunday, August 2nd and showcased both footballing talent and Kenya’s organizational capacity.

Infantino’s visit coincided with a flurry of top-level football activity in Nairobi. 

CAF President Patrice Motsepe, who arrived on Thursday, August 29th, chaired an Executive Committee meeting involving all 54 African football federation heads at a city hotel. 

Infantino attended the meeting before addressing the media alongside Motsepe and later proceeded to Kasarani for the grand finale.

Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya had on Friday 30th assured of heightened security and smooth logistics to welcome the high-profile guests.

Adding further prestige to the occasion, Madagascar’s President Andry Rajoelina also attended, cheering on his national team as they aim to better their 2023 bronze medal finish.

According to Mvurya Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary, Infantino’s presence in Kenya was more than symbolic. It was a vote of confidence as the country prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations alongside Uganda and Tanzania.