Morocco Tackle Madagascar In 2024 CHAN Final As Senegal Face Sudan In Third Place Battle

Morocco Tackle Madagascar In 2024 CHAN Final As Senegal Face Sudan In Third Place Battle

By Niyi Busari

 Morocco sealed a place in the final of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after edging defending champions Senegal 5-3 on penalties, following a tense 1-1 draw after extra time at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium on Tuesday night, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Atlas Lions, who previously lifted the trophy in 2018 and 2020, will now face Madagascar in Saturday’s final in Nairobi. The island nation stunned Sudan earlier in the day to book their first-ever appearance in the continental showpiece.

Senegal Strike Early, Morocco Respond in Style

Senegal drew first blood in the 16th minute when Joseph Layousse powered home a header from Libasse Guèye’s corner. The defending champions looked assured in the opening stages, pressing high and dictating tempo.

But Morocco responded just seven minutes later. Midfielder Sabir Bougrine unleashed a spectacular right-footed drive from distance that flew into the top corner, restoring parity and energising the two-time winners.

Both teams carved out further opportunities before halftime. Layousse missed a close-range header, while Moroccan forward Anas Bach was denied by goalkeeper Marc Diouf.

A Tactical Battle in Second Half and Extra Time

The second half unfolded as a tactical duel. Morocco gradually gained more possession, while Senegal remained dangerous on set pieces.

Goalkeepers were decisive: Morocco’s El Mehdi Al Harrar kept his side alive with crucial saves from Layousse and Seyni Ndiaye, while Diouf matched him at the other end, stopping efforts from Youssef Mehri and Oussama Lamlaoui.

With neither side able to break the deadlock, extra time followed, producing late drama but no goals. Lamlaoui’s 119th-minute header was acrobatically tipped over by Diouf, moments after Senegal’s Bonaventure Fonseca fired narrowly over.

Penalties Decide the Contest

The shootout saw Morocco’s composure prove decisive. Hrimat, Lamlaoui, Khairi, Bach and Mehri all converted flawlessly.

Senegal’s hopes crumbled early when captain Seyni Ndiaye struck the crossbar with their opening attempt. Although Vieux Cissé, Baye Ciss and Daouda Ba scored, the early miss left them chasing.

Morocco triumphed 5-3, advancing to their third CHAN final in six years and ending Senegal’s hopes of back-to-back triumphs

Coaches React

Morocco coach Tarik Sektioui praised his players’ composure:

 “It was a tough match against the defending champions, but the players showed great mentality in key moments. We have fought hard to reach this stage, and now we want to lift the trophy again.”

Senegal coach Souleymane Diallo remained optimistic despite the loss: 

“This is a young generation writing its first chapter. They played with courage and discipline. Penalties are always cruel, but our future is bright.”

What Lies Ahead

Morocco now turn their attention to Saturday’s final against Madagascar at Nairobi’s Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, where a third CHAN crown beckons. Senegal, meanwhile, will face Sudan in the third-place playoff in Dar es Salaam.