Morocco joined Madagascar in the final of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 after overcoming holders Senegal 5-3 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw after extra-time at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Tuesday night. The Atlas Lions, winners in 2018 and 2020, will now face Madagascar in Saturday’s final in Nairobi, after the island nation beat Sudan earlier in the day. Senegal strike first, Morocco hit back The defending champions struck first through Joseph Layousse, who rose highest in the 16th minute to head home from Libasse Guèye’s corner. It was a deserved opener for Senegal, whose youthful side looked confident and well-organised in the early exchanges. But Morocco hit back just seven minutes later. Sabir Bougrine unleashed a thunderous right-footed strike from outside the box that flew into the top corner, levelling the match at 1-1 and swinging momentum back to the two-time champions. Both teams had chances before the break — Senegal’s Layousse missed another header from close range, while Morocco’s Anas Bach saw his effort saved by goalkeeper Marc Diouf — but neither side could add to the scoreline. Tight second half and extra time The second half was a cagey affair, with Morocco gradually seizing control of possession but Senegal looking threatening on set pieces. Goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar kept Morocco in the game with fine saves, notably from Joseph Layousse and Seyni Ndiaye, while Diouf stood tall at the other end to deny Youssef Mehri and Oussama Lamlaoui. As fatigue set in, both sides turned to their benches. Morocco introduced Ayoub Khairi and Salaheddine Errahouli, while Senegal added fresh legs in Insa Boye and Ababacar Sarr. Extra time produced frantic moments but no goals. Morocco came closest when Lamlaoui’s header was tipped over by Diouf in the 119th minute, while Bonaventure Fonseca fired just over for Senegal seconds earlier. Penalty drama With the match still locked at 1-1, penalties decided the contest. Morocco converted all five of their spot-kicks with composure: Hrimat, Lamlaoui, Khairi, Bach, and finally Mehri. Senegal faltered when captain Seyni Ndiaye struck the crossbar with their opening effort, leaving them playing catch-up. Although Vieux Cissé, Baye Ciss, and Daouda Ba all scored, Morocco’s perfect sequence proved decisive. The Atlas Lions triumphed 5-3, booking their third CHAN final appearance in six years and ending Senegal’s dream of back-to-back titles. A clash of philosophies The semi-final had been billed as a clash between Morocco’s tournament pedigree and Senegal’s youthful energy — and it lived up to expectations. Morocco showed resilience, experience, and discipline to weather Senegal’s early dominance, while the West Africans displayed promise that suggests a bright future. Coach Tarik Sektioui hailed his side’s mentality: “It was a tough match against the defending champions, but the players showed composure in the key moments. We have fought hard to reach this stage, and now we want to win the trophy again.” Senegal boss Souleymane Diallo, meanwhile, expressed pride despite the defeat: “This is a young generation writing its first chapter. They played with courage and discipline. Penalties are always cruel, but our future remains bright.” Morocco will now face surprise package Madagascar in Saturday’s final at Nairobi’s Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, while Senegal must regroup for the third-place playoff against Sudan in Dar es Salaam. Magadascar qualified for their first final after edging Sudan 1-0 despite the last 15 minutes of regulation time and the extra time with a man down after striker Fenohasina Gilles Razafimaro was sent off for a second yellow card. For Morocco, it is a chance to reclaim continental dominance and join the record books with a third CHAN title. For Senegal, the dream of defending their crown may have ended, but their youthful side left Kampala with dignity intact and optimism for the future.
