Morocco Beat Madagascar 3-2 to Win a Record Third CHAN Title

Morocco beat Madagascar 3-2 to win a record third CHAN title.
Lamlaoui’s brace, including a 40-yard wonder strike, sealed the victory.
Madagascar made history as the first island nation to reach a CAF senior final.

Morocco have secured a record third African Nations Championship (CHAN) crown after edging debutant finalists Madagascar 3-2 in a pulsating final at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Saturday.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Atlas Lions, champions in 2018 and 2020, leaned on their pedigree, experience, and the brilliance of star forward Oussama Lamlaoui, who struck twice to finish as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals. His second goal, a stunning 40-yard lob that caught goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa off his line — is already being hailed as the defining moment of CHAN 2025.

According to CAF Online, the audacious strike left fans and even opposition players applauding. The victory earned Morocco $3.5 million in prize money, while Madagascar’s impressive run ended with silver and a $1.2 million reward.

The match began at a frenetic pace, with Morocco opening the scoring inside 15 minutes. Lamlaoui pounced on a through ball from Youssef Mehri to give his side the lead.

Madagascar, however, showed their resilience. Against the run of play, Toky Rakotondraibe capitalised on a defensive lapse to equalise, sparking jubilant celebrations among Malagasy fans.

Parity did not last long as Morocco restored their advantage before half-time. Sabir Bougrine drilled low past Ramandimbisoa, again assisted by the excellent Mehri.

Lamlaoui’s wonder strike early in the second half tightened Morocco’s grip, but Madagascar kept fighting. Their creative playmaker, Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa, reduced the deficit with 12 minutes to go, setting up a tense finale. Despite pressing hard in stoppage time and winning late corners, Madagascar could not find a way past Morocco’s organised defence.