Morocco were crowned champions of the 2025 TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a breathtaking 3-2 victory over first-time finalists Madagascar at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, on Saturday, with star striker Oussama Lamlaoui stealing the show.
The Atlas Lions, winners in 2018 and 2020, were pushed to the limit by the tournament debutants, but their experience and cutting edge ultimately proved decisive.
Star forward Oussama Lamlaoui rose to the occasion with two goals — including an audacious 40-yard strike that will be remembered as one of the great moments in CHAN history. His brace not only secured Morocco’s gold medal and the USD 3.5 million prize money but also confirmed him as the competition’s top scorer with six goals.
Madagascar, making their first appearance in a CAF senior final, showed immense spirit and quality. Felicite Manohantsoa stunned the crowd with an early opener inside nine minutes, before Youssef Mehri equalised for Morocco. Lamlaoui then gave the North Africans the lead, but Toky Rakotondraibe’s second-half strike reignited Malagasy hopes, sending their fans into wild celebrations.
The contest’s defining moment came later on when Lamlaoui spotted goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa off his line and launched a breathtaking long-range effort that sailed into the net. Even Malagasy players applauded the strike, a fitting goal to decide a pulsating final.
Despite heavy pressure and two last-gasp corners, Madagascar could not find another equaliser. For them, it was a bittersweet ending: heartbreak in defeat, but pride in becoming the first island nation and just the 13th country to reach a CAF senior final. Their adventurous play and mental resilience, highlighted by their extra-time win over Sudan in the semis won admirers across Africa.
The 2025 CHAN, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda under the “PAMOJA 2024” banner, will be remembered for packed stadiums, vibrant atmospheres, and high-quality football. And as the fireworks lit up the Nairobi night sky, Morocco stood tallest once again their organisation, experience, and Lamlaoui’s brilliance sealing a third CHAN title in six years.
For Madagascar, the silver medal was more than consolation; it was proof that fairytales can still be written in African football.
