By KUNLE SOLAJA.

Morocco stand on the brink of history as they prepare to face Madagascar in Saturday’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) final at the Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi.

The Atlas Lions, champions in 2018 and 2020, are gunning for a record-extending third continental crown — a feat that would cement their dominance in the tournament’s short but storied history. No other nation has won the CHAN more than twice.

Coach Tarik Sektioui’s men have impressed with a blend of tactical discipline and individual brilliance, sweeping past opponents with their trademark attacking flair.

 Much of their firepower has come from striker Oussama Lamlioui, who has already netted four times in the competition, while playmaker Youssef Belammari has quietly dictated games from midfield.

But standing in their way is Madagascar, the surprise package of CHAN 2024. The island nation, playing in their first-ever final, have captured the imagination of fans with their spirited performances and dramatic late win over Sudan in the semi-finals.

For Morocco, the stakes are clear. Victory would not only deliver another trophy but also stamp their authority as the undisputed kings of the competition.

With Morocco’s pedigree up against Madagascar’s fairytale, Saturday’s final promises to be a classic — and possibly the night Morocco etch their name deeper into CHAN folklore.

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Every great story needs an unlikely hero, and Madagascar may already have theirs ahead of Saturday’s CHAN 2024 final against Morocco.

Toky Rakotondraibe, just 23, came off the bench in the semi-final and scored the dramatic 116th-minute winner that propelled the island nation into its first-ever final. The goal sealed his status as a national hero and added a new layer to Madagascar’s fairytale run.

Though unlikely to start against Morocco, Rakotondraibe has become coach Romuald Rakotondrabe’s secret weapon — a wildcard capable of changing the script in extra time. His coolness under pressure and instinct for seizing moments make him a player to watch in Nairobi.

If the final stretches into another tense battle, Madagascar’s miracle run may again rest on the shoulders of their super-sub.

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Senegal secured third place at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after edging Sudan 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw at the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Friday.

The defending champions, who were denied a place in the final after losing to Morocco on spot-kicks in the semi-finals, showed resilience again in the bronze medal match to earn back-to-back podium finishes.

Sudan struck first in the sixth minute when Mohamed Tia Asad powered home a header from Abdel Raouf Yagoub’s corner. The Falcons of Jediane defended their lead with discipline, with goalkeeper Mohamed Abooja producing key saves to keep Senegal at bay until the break.

But the Lions of Teranga responded strongly after half-time. Their pressure paid off in the 58th minute when Seyni Ndiaye equalised with a precise header from Ousseynou Seck’s cross. Senegal dominated possession thereafter, though Sudan remained dangerous on the counter, with Abooja again standing firm.

With no extra time in the third-place play-off, the contest went straight to penalties. Sudan faltered as Walieldin Khdir missed his opening effort and Musab Makeen saw his kick saved by goalkeeper Marc Diouf. Senegal were clinical, with Joseph Layousse, Issa Kane, Vieux Cissé and Libasse Guèye all converting to seal a 4-2 shootout win.

“This was about character,” Senegal coach Souleymane Diallo said. “The players showed maturity after the disappointment of the semi-final. We wanted to finish with something, and we did that.”

For Sudan, coached by Ghana’s Kwesi Appiah, the defeat was a cruel end to an inspiring campaign. Despite domestic football being crippled by conflict, they eliminated Nigeria and pushed Madagascar to the limit before bowing out in the semi-finals.

“We came very far with limited preparation. I am proud of how the team fought. Sudanese football has shown it still has heart,” Appiah said after the match.

With Senegal celebrating bronze and Sudan reflecting on what might have been, attention now shifts to Nairobi, where Morocco and Madagascar will clash in Saturday’s CHAN 2024 final at Moi International Sports Centre.

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