Morocco have cemented their dominance of the African Nations Championship after securing a record third title with a thrilling 3-2 victory over Madagascar in Saturday’s final at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
The Atlas Lions, champions in 2018 and 2020, were pushed to the wire by the debutant finalists but relied on their pedigree, experience, and the brilliance of star striker, Oussama Lamlaoui, who struck twice to finish as the tournament’s leading scorer with six goals.
Lamlaoui’s goals included what will be remembered as the defining moment of the 2025 CHAN.
‘With Madagascar pushing higher in search of an equaliser, Lamlaoui spotted goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa off his line and unleashed a stunning 40-yard strike that sailed into the net’, a post-match report on the CAF Online website revealed this.
The audacious effort left fans — and even Malagasy players — applauding, sealing Morocco’s gold medal and the $3.5 million prize money, while Madagascar’s gallant run ended in silver and a $1.2 million payout.
Morocco strike first, Madagascar respond
The final began at a frantic pace, and Morocco drew first blood inside the opening 15 minutes.
Lamlaoui put his side ahead with a poacher’s finish after Youssef Mehri sliced through the Malagasy defence with a precise pass.
But Madagascar, whose remarkable fairytale had captured the imagination of the continent, found a way back.
Against the run of play, Toky Rakotondraibe equalised, capitalising on a defensive lapse to spark wild celebrations among their supporters.
Parity was short-lived. Morocco restored their advantage before the break when Sabir Bougrine drilled low past Ramandimbisoa, once again teed up by the excellent Mehri.
Madagascar fight to the end
The Atlas Lions tightened their grip after Lamlaoui’s wonder strike in the second half, but Madagascar were not done.
Their creative talisman, Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa, halved the deficit with 12 minutes remaining to set up a tense finale.
The islanders threw everything forward in stoppage time, winning two late corners, but Morocco’s defence stood tall to claim their third CHAN crown in six years.
Historic contrasts
For Morocco, the victory underlined their reputation as CHAN’s most successful team.
For Madagascar, it was heartbreak, but also history.
It read, ‘In just their second CHAN appearance, they became the first island nation and the 13th country overall to reach a CAF senior final’.
Their fearless counterattacking play, capped by a semi-final extra-time win over Sudan, earned admiration across Africa and signaled a new dawn for Malagasy football.
Legacy of PAMOJA 2024
The 2025 final capped a month-long tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, the first time CHAN was staged across three countries.
From electric atmospheres to packed stadiums, the PAMOJA edition showcased African football at its finest.
As fireworks lit up Nairobi, Morocco stood tallest, their blend of resilience, organisation, and Lamlaoui’s magic proving decisive.
For Madagascar, their silver medal was more than consolation — it was proof that fairytales can still be written in African football.
