Morocco Eliminate Senegal to Face Madagascar in African Nations Championship Final

Morocco will face Madagascar in the final of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) after knocking out Senegal 5-3 on penalties following a 1-1 draw, while Madagascar ended Sudan’s fairytale run with a 1-0 victory in the semifinals.

The Atlas Lions are aiming for a third CHAN crown after lifting the trophy in 2018 and 2020 against Nigeria and Mali respectively, while Madagascar will be chasing their first-ever title in the final scheduled for next Saturday in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi.

In the first semifinal at Mandela National Stadium in the Ugandan capital, Kampala, Morocco ousted the defending champions in a thrilling contest that ended 1-1 after extra time before prevailing in the shootout.

The Teranga Lions struck first when Joseph Layousse Samb headed beyond Moroccan keeper Mehdi El Harrar from a corner delivered by Libasse Gueye (16’).

Eight minutes later, the Atlas Lions drew level through midfielder Saber Bougrine, who fired home a volley from the edge of the box (26’).

El Harrar denied Senegal a halftime lead with a superb save to keep out a curling effort from Moussa Cissé (45’).

Coach Tarik Sektioui’s men pushed hard for a winner in the second half, but despite both teams trading control and chances, neither side could find the breakthrough thanks to the brilliance of both goalkeepers. The pattern continued in extra time, sending the clash to penalties. Senegal’s Saini N’Diaye missed the opening kick as his shot struck the crossbar, sealing Morocco’s passage to the final.

End of Sudan’s Run

In the second semifinal, Sudan’s journey in the 8th edition of the tournament came to an end with a 1-0 defeat to Madagascar after extra time, as the match had finished goalless in regulation.

Toky Rakotondraibe scored the decisive goal in the 116th minute, converting a cross from Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa and denying Sudan a golden chance to reach the final. The Sudanese side couldn’t capitalize on their numerical advantage after Madagascar were reduced to 10 men in the 79th minute following the dismissal of Finohasina Razafimaro.

Both teams had advanced to the last four via penalties: Madagascar edged past Kenya 4-3 after a 1-1 draw, while Sudan eliminated Algeria 4-2 on spot-kicks following another 1-1 stalemate. With this run, Sudan equaled their best-ever achievement in the competition, first accomplished in 2011 when they hosted the tournament and finished third.