Lamlaoui’s Brace Powers Morocco to Historic Third CHAN Title

By Sports Desk

As the crowd roared and the pulsating rhythm of drums echoed through the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Oussama Lamlaoui sprinted towards the cheering Moroccan fans, his face a picture of pure elation. In that electrifying moment, Morocco etched their name deeper into African football history. They clinched a record third TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) trophy after a thrilling 3-2 victory over Madagascar.

The Atlas Lions, winners in 2018 and 2020, demonstrated why experience matters in high-stakes finals. They faced a spirited and determined Malagasy side in their first-ever CHAN final. Morocco leaned on their pedigree and star quality to emerge victorious in a pulsating contest.

Oussama Lamlaoui once again proved the match-winner, scoring a stunning brace, including a jaw-dropping 40-yard strike that left fans and players alike in awe. His six goals crowned him the tournament’s top scorer, the driving force behind Morocco’s triumphant campaign.

From the outset, the final crackled with intensity. Madagascar set the tone by racing ahead within nine minutes through Felicite Manohantsoa, igniting a wave of excitement among their supporters. But Morocco responded swiftly. Youssef Mehri equalized following a precise assist from Khalid Baba, before Lamlaoui fired the North Africans into the lead.

Showing the resilience that had propelled them through the competition, Madagascar struck back as Toky Rakotondraibe capitalized on a rare defensive lapse to level the scores midway through the second half, sending Malagasy fans into jubilant scenes.

However, the moment that defined the final and perhaps the entire tournament belonged to Lamlaoui. Spotting Madagascar’s goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa off his line, he unleashed a spectacular shot from 40 yards out that sailed magnificently into the net. The audacious strike not only secured Morocco’s advantage but also underscored Lamlaoui’s status as the tournament’s standout star.

Despite Madagascar’s relentless late pressure and two corners deep into stoppage time, Morocco’s defense held firm. When the final whistle blew, it marked Morocco’s third CHAN crown in just six years, earning the team a $3.5-million prize and cementing their dominance on the continental stage.

For Madagascar, the silver medal was a bittersweet milestone. Making only their second CHAN appearance, they became the first island nation and 13th country overall to reach a CAF senior final, a testament to their rapid rise and unyielding spirit. Their counterattacking flair and mental toughness, evidenced by their extra-time semi-final victory over Sudan, earned them admiration across Africa.

The 2025 CHAN tournament, hosted for the first time across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, brought electric atmospheres and fiercely competitive football. As fireworks lit up Nairobi’s night sky, Morocco stood tallest, their experience, resilience, and Lamlaoui’s brilliance shining through.

For Madagascar, this final was heartbreak, yes, but also a dawning of new hope and belief that in African football, fairy tales are still very much alive. (CAF)