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The TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 reaches its climax in Nairobi with Morocco chasing a record third title and Madagascar hoping for a fairytale triumph in their first-ever CAF final.
Kick-off is at 04:00 pm (GMT+1) at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, and fans can catch the action live on BeIN Sports MENA, BeIN Sports France, Canal+, SuperSport, New World TV, Azam, KBC, FUFA TV, UBC, SABC Sport, RTNC, TVM, ORTM, RTB, CRTV, TPA, and NTA in Nigeria.
Morocco: chasing history
Two-time winners Morocco arrive with pedigree and pressure. Coach Tarik Sektioui believes his side are ready. “Each match presents a different scenario with its details that make the difference. We are very confident about the outcome of this match,” he said.
The Atlas Lions have travelled across Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda during this campaign, which Sektioui says has hardened their mentality. “The Moroccan team is the only one that has travelled to the three host countries of this edition, but this gives us the will and determination to overcome the difficulties and win the title.”
Midfielder Salaheddine Rahouli echoed his coach: “Winning this title for the third time is a source of pride for all of us. We are aware of the responsibility we bear and we hope to offer this third title to the Moroccan supporters.”
Key players for Morocco
- Oussama Lamlaoui – top scorer with four goals.
- Youssef Mehri – creator-in-chief with three assists.
- Saber Bougrine – midfield engine and scorer in the semi-final
Madagascar: the dream run
Debutants Madagascar have already written history but are not here to make up the numbers.
Coach Romuald Rakotondrabe admitted the scale of the task: “Morocco are the favourites; they are a big country in football. But Madagascar are not here by luck. We worked hard for our place.”
Despite missing three players through injury and suspension, he insists belief is strong. “The secret to our success has been hard work. If we win, it will be like a dream come true. It will make the people of Madagascar happy, because life is difficult there.”
Captain Nantenaina Elysee Tony Randriamanampisoa added: “We are ready. We have been concentrating. Team spirit is high. We are in for a tough game because Morocco is a good side, but we will compete to get a good result.”
Key players for Madagascar
- Michel Ramandimbisoa – goalkeeper with 25 saves and three clean sheets.
- Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa – playmaker, three assists and 11 chances created.
- Toky Rakotondraibe – semi-final match-winner against Sudan.
By the numbers
- Morocco have won both their previous finals: 4-0 vs Nigeria (2018) and 2-0 vs Mali (2020).
- They have lost only once in their last 19 CHAN matches (W15 D3).
- Madagascar are unbeaten in their last four games, winning three and drawing one.
- They are the first island nation to reach a CHAN final.
What’s at stake
- A Moroccan win would make them the most successful team in CHAN history with three titles.
- A Madagascar win would be a first for Southern African football and spark wild celebrations back home.
As Sektioui put it: “A final is about being crowned winner or not. We are ready to sacrifice everything on the pitch to honour Moroccan football.”
Rakotondrabe struck a more emotional note: “From the beginning, I never thought we would reach the final. But here we are, and this is for all Malagasy people. It is a dream come true.”
History will be made in Nairobi – whether it is Morocco cementing their dominance or Madagascar producing one of African football’s great fairytales.
Predicted Score
Given Morocco’s defensive organisation and experience in finals, and Madagascar’s spirit but lack of pedigree at this level, the safest call looks like Morocco 2-0 Madagascar.
- Morocco have scored in every CHAN knockout match in their history.
- Madagascar struggle when chasing games and are missing three players.
- The Atlas Lions’ experience in managing finals could prove decisive.
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