Morocco will meet Madagascar in the final of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after both sides booked their places through dramatic semi-final victories on Tuesday.
The Atlas Lions, champions in 2018 and 2020, ended Senegal’s title defence in Kampala with a 5-3 win on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw.
Senegal struck first through Joseph Layousse’s 16th-minute header, but Morocco hit back almost immediately when Sabir Bougrine unleashed a thunderous equaliser seven minutes later.
Neither side could find a breakthrough across 120 minutes, with goalkeepers El Mehdi Al Harrar and Marc Diouf pulling off crucial saves. In the shootout, Morocco held their nerve, converting all five spot-kicks through Hrimat, Lamlaoui, Khairi, Bach, and Mehri. Senegal’s Seyni Ndiaye struck the crossbar with their first attempt, leaving them trailing throughout.
Earlier in Dar es Salaam, Madagascar stunned Sudan to reach their first-ever continental final. Substitute Toky Rakotondraibe was the hero, scoring in the 116th minute after Fenohasina Razafimaro slipped him through on goal. The 1-0 extra-time win sparked wild celebrations for the island nation, who now stand on the brink of history as the first island team to potentially win the tournament.
The final will be played on Saturday at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi, with Morocco chasing a record third CHAN crown, while debut finalists Madagascar aim for an unforgettable fairytale triumph.
Meanwhile, in Friday’s third-place playoff, Senegal defeated Sudan 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala, ensuring both sides ended their campaigns on a competitive note after valiant semi-final exits.
