AFCON 2025
Morocco have been crowned champions of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) after edging Madagascar 3–2 in a thrilling final at Nairobi’s Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The Atlas Lions showed their pedigree by lifting a record third CHAN title, adding to their triumphs in 2018 and 2020.
Madagascar, playing in their first-ever CAF senior final, stunned Morocco with an early breakthrough. Felicite Manohantsoa opened the scoring in the ninth minute with a stunning long-range strike that silenced the Moroccan supporters and gave the island nation hope of a famous upset.
Morocco, however, remained composed and struck back before the half-hour mark. Youssef Mehri levelled the game with a well-taken finish in the 27th minute, before top scorer Oussama Lamlioui turned the contest in Morocco’s favour with a clinical strike just before halftime.
The second half produced more drama as Madagascar refused to be overawed. Toky Rakotondraibe equalised in the 68th minute, sparking wild celebrations among their fans and setting up a tense finale.
With the game seemingly heading towards extra time, Lamlioui produced a moment of brilliance worthy of a final. Spotting the goalkeeper off his line, he unleashed a spectacular 40-yard effort that flew into the net, sealing Morocco’s victory in style.
Despite Madagascar’s late pressure and a flurry of corners deep into stoppage time, Morocco held firm until the final whistle. Lamlioui finished the tournament as top scorer with six goals, claiming the Puma Golden Boot and further underlining his status as one of the stars of the competition.
For Morocco, this triumph reinforces their dominance in the CHAN, as they become the first nation to win the title three times. For Madagascar, though defeated, their remarkable run to the final has written a new chapter in their football history and earned them respect across the continent.
