avdeltanews@gmail.com

Morocco have lifted their third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title after a breathtaking 3–2 victory over Madagascar in the final at Nairobi’s Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Saturday, August 30, 2025.

The Atlas Lions, already two-time champions in 2018 and 2020, reclaimed the trophy in style in front of a mesmerised crowd that filled the stands and soared with excitement.

The “Pamoja” edition—so named for the Swahili word meaning “together”—was a landmark competition.

For the first time, CHAN was co-hosted by three nations: Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Matches played out across Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar and Kampala from 2 to 30 August, offering a curtain-raiser to the joint East African bid for AFCON 2027.

Underpinned by generous organisation and a 75 percent increase in prize money to a USD 10.4 million pool (with USD 3.5 million awarded to the winners), the tournament was both logistically ambitious and financially elevated.

Morocco’s path to glory was anything but straightforward. They began with a shock 1–0 group stage loss to co-hosts Kenya, which forced them to recalibrate quickly.

Their resurgence began with a commanding 3–1 win over DR Congo, where Oussama Lamlioui, the RS Berkane forward, scored twice and earned Man of the Match honours.

He became the heartbeat of their campaign--with four(4) goals and vital assists to his name--earning the Golden Boot as the tournament’s top scorer.

His intelligent runs, aerial threat and relentless pressing typified Morocco’s tactical rhythm.

In the semi-finals in Kampala, Senegal--defending champions--stood between Morocco and the final.

A tense 1–1 draw was resolved only after a gripping penalty shootout, where Morocco prevailed 5–3, refusing to yield under pressure.

Madagascar’s journey had a fairytale quality. The Barea won a dramatic semi-final against Sudan in Dar es Salaam thanks to substitute Toky Rakotondraibe’s extra-time strike in the 116th minute.

It was a herculean run for a nation contesting its first-ever CHAN final and the first island nation to reach such heights at this level.

On final day, a cultural feast preceded the football showdown. A gala closing ceremony featured performances from East African icons--Savara from Kenya, Uganda’s Eddy Kenzo and Tanzania’s Zuchu--setting an evocative tone for the evening under the “Pamoja” banner.

When kick-off arrived at 6:00 Pm, the weight of history sat heavy on both teams.

Madagascar struck first, using their pace to unsettle Morocco's defence.

Undeterred, Morocco drew level through a Lamlioui effort before the break, and then edged ahead post-interval through Youssef Mehri’s creative midfield strike. Morocco’s classic resilience shone bright. In the end, Lamlioui sealed the win with a sensational goal to make it 3–2—handing Morocco the title and reminding everyone of his match-winning calibre.

Morocco’s lineup featured several standout contributors: midfield dynamo Youssef Belammari, known for threading incisive passes and controlling tempo; Sabir Bougrine, the engine who scored in the semi-final; and Lamlioui’s constant scoring threat.

Madagascar countered with their own heroes: goalkeeper Michel “Toldo” Ramandimbisoa, whose saves kept them alive; defensive midfielder Nicolas Randriamanampisoa, dubbed “the Engine of the Barea” for his tenacity and pass precision; and Rakotondraibe, the super-sub who wrote their history.

The tournament recognised several individual achievements: Lamlioui’s Golden Boot for his four goals; the Fair Play Award for Senegal; Player of the Tournament awarded to Mohamed Hrimat (Morocco) though not mentioned previously, but consistent with CAF’s tradition; and Goalkeeper of the Tournament for Senegal’s Marc Philips Arona Diouf, admired for composure under fire.

In attendance were two of football’s most influential administrators--FIFA President Gianni Infantino, CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe and Kenya’s President William Ruto.

Their presence reinforced the tournament’s stature and the region’s capacity to host major events.

Photographed together in Nairobi, they championed the co-hosting model and signalled support for future expansion under the Pamoja identity.

Fans across East Africa were swept up in the drama. Stadiums brimmed with colour, chants, drumbeats and flags as local talent from Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda used the spotlight to shine.

It was a festival of football and culture: “Pamoja” in action, through unity, pride and performance.

Morocco leave Kenya with a third title and a legacy of tactical grit and finishing quality; Madagascar depart as the embodiment of belief and audacity; and East Africa’s co-hosting model arrives stronger, better tested, and ready for what comes next.

Under starlit skies at Kasarani, history was made and the road to AFCON 2027 now appears visible.