Madagascar and Morocco level at 1-1 in CHAN 2024 final

Madagascar drew first blood in the CHAN 2024 final, with Félicité Mantasoa silencing the Kasarani crowd with a crucial opener against tournament favourites Morocco.

But the Atlas Lions refused to be shaken, as Youssef Mehri struck in the 27th minute to drag the defending champions level and keep their dream of a historic third crown alive.

With the score locked at 1-1 at halftime, everything is still to play for in a pulsating contest that promises a dramatic second half in Nairobi.

Morocco 

The Morocco national team entered the CHAN 2024 final with its sights set on history—becoming the first nation to clinch three championships.

Under the guidance of coach Tarik Sektioui, the Atlas Lions have navigated a demanding campaign across three host nations, reaffirming their reputation as one of the tournament’s dominant forces.

Madagascar

Madagascar stepped into their first-ever continental final at CHAN 2024.

“Morocco are the favorites, but we worked hard to get here. We’re not here by luck, and we want to prove our worth,” said head coach Romuald Rakotondrabe.

Captain Nantenaina Elysee Tony Randriamanampisoa underlined the squad’s determination: “We are ready and focused. It will be a tough match, but we will fight for a positive result.”

Madagascar, known as the Barea, made their CHAN debut in 2022 and immediately made a remarkable impact by finishing in third place through a dramatic bronze medal match victory over Niger.

Entering the 2024 edition, the Barea built on their debut success with growing ambition. They navigated the group stage and mounted a spectacular knockout performance.

Notably, they edged past Sudan in the semi-finals thanks to a 116th-minute goal by Toky Rakotondraibe, marking their first-ever appearance in a continental final.

Credit for much of their semi-final success is given to midfielder Rijaniaina Nicolas Randriamanampisoa, whose tireless work earned him the Man of the Match award and made him a symbol of the team’s resilient spirit.