Atlas Lions of Morocco and surprise packages, Madagascar, to compete in the final of the 2024 CHAN, on Saturday, after both sides came through dramatic semi-finals on Tuesday, www.aclsports.com reports.
It has been a fun-filled tournament in East Africa across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in the past three weeks, but everything comes to an end with the final of the competition set for Nairobi on Saturday.
In the first semi-final decided at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Madagascar reached their first-ever continental final thanks to a 116th-minute strike from substitute Toky Rakotondraibe that sealed a 1-0 victory over Sudan.
Madagascar were forced to finish the game a man down after Fenohasina Razafimaro received his marching orders in the 79th minute following a VAR review. Despite the setback, the Barea held their nerve, gained momentum, and sealed victory with a brilliant team move that Toky Rakotondraibe coolly converted just four minutes from time.
Later in the night, Morocco reached the final of the CHAN after overcoming holders Senegal 5-3 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw after extra-time at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
Cup holders Senegal made the brighter start when Joseph Layousse headed them ahead in the 16th minute. Morocco responded swiftly as Sabir Bougrine equalised with a thunderous strike just seven minutes later. Chances fell to both sides across 120 minutes, with Morocco’s El Mehdi Al Harrar and Senegal’s Marc Diouf producing crucial saves to keep the contest level.
In the shootout, Morocco held their nerve as Hrimat, Lamlaoui, Khairi, Bach, and Mehri all dispatched their spot-kicks with precision. Senegal’s hopes suffered an early setback when Seyni Ndiaye rattled the crossbar with their first effort, forcing them to play catch-up despite successfully converting the rest of their attempts.
The tournament decider is scheduled for Saturday at the Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi, with Morocco aiming for a record-extending third crown, while Madagascar aspires to become the first island nation to lift the trophy.
A day earlier, on Friday, Senegal and Sudan will square off in the third-place playoff at Kampala’s Mandela National Stadium, both sides eager to wrap up their campaigns on a positive note after hard-fought semi-final losses.
