NAIROBI, Kenya — Morocco secured a record third African Nations Championship title on Saturday with a thrilling 3-2 final victory over first-time finalists Madagascar. Oussama Lamlioui’s late strike proved to be the decisive goal in a dramatic match held in Nairobi.
A Battle of Wits and Goals
The final began with a surprising twist as Felicite Manohatsoa’s long-range shot gave Madagascar an early lead in the ninth minute. The Atlas Lions responded, with Youssef Mehri breaking clear of the Malagasy defense to score the equalizer in the 27th minute, delighting the majority of the capacity crowd.
Morocco took the lead just before halftime when forward Lamlioui found the back of the net for the first time. However, Madagascar, showing incredible resilience, leveled the score midway through the second half through a goal from substitute Toky Rakotondraibe.
With the game heading for extra time, Lamlioui became the hero for Morocco, scoring his second goal in the 95th minute to secure the victory and cement his country’s status as the tournament’s most successful team.
A Step Towards the Future
The African Nations Championship, a biennial tournament for African players playing in their home countries, serves as a significant platform for rising talent. Morocco’s victory is their third consecutive title, a testament to the strength of their domestic league. The country is also preparing to host the senior Africa Cup of Nations for the first time since 1988, with this year’s event set to kick off on December 21.
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