The historic final of the 8th African Nations championship – CHAN 2024 is set to be played between two teams who are set to make history in the competition. It was a final that between the Barea of Madagascar and the Atlas Lions of Morocco.
The final is set to be played in the beautiful city of Nairobi at the 55,000 Kasarani stadium on Saturday as the first ever trio hosted competition in Africa comes to an end. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda were the host nations of the tournament which indirectly serves as the preparatory tournament for the trio as they are set to host a historic Africa Cup of Nations in 2027.
Unfortunately, the three countries could not make it past the quarterfinals of the this competition after each of them topped their groups. Kenya were knocked out by eventual finalists, Madagascar on penalties while Tanzania lost to the experience of Morocco 1-0 at the Benjamin Mkapa stadium in front of 41,600 fans. Uganda will join them after a 1-0 loss to Senegal in filled to capacity stadium in Kampala.
The three countries will take this as good experience especially Uganda and Tanzania who will play in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco later this year. The two East African countries are drawn alongside Nigeria’s Super Eagles for the tournament.
While Morocco will be buzzing going into the finals of the CHAN 2024, they will be hoping to set the right atmosphere and mood ahead of the biggest football tournament in Africa coming in December on home soil.
So, who walks away with the bragging rights in East Africa?
CHAN 20204: Senegal v Sudan, a rematch
Before the historic grand finale, Senegal and Sudan will slug it out for the bronze medal in the Nelson Mandela stadium, Kampala, Uganda. After semi final heartbreaks for both countries; Sudan lost last minute in extra time to Madagascar while Senegal were torn by Morocco on penalties, they will both fight for the consolation prize.
The game will be a rematch of the final fixture of Group D which ended goalless. Group D had consisted of Nigeria and Congo alongside the two. Sudan had topped the group after thrashing Nigeria 4-0 and two draws against Senegal and Congo while Senegal finished as runners-up.
The goalless draw then will now be settled in Kampala and now there will be a bigger reward for the winners. The duo take to the pitch for the last time in the tournament on Friday.
Senegal will be looking to consolidate their efforts with a medal after missing out on defending their title while Sudan will be looking to bag a historic moment in the tournament as they will be winning a medal for the third time. They had won it in 2011 and 2018 previously.
CHAN 2024: The Final – Madagascar v Morocco
This is where history will be made. Madagascar are gunning for their first ever trophy in football history at this final. This is their second time playing in the Africa Nations Championship; their debut they finished with a bronze medal in Algeria. Already, they have surpassed the feat in 2022 with a final spot but the extra will be lifting the trophy itself and most importantly against two times champions, Morocco.
The Barea will be looking to bag inspiration from goalkeeper, Ramandimbisoa Lalain’arijaka Michel better known as Toldo. The goalkeeper has been a standout performer in this tournament. Three Man of the Match awards, 600 minutes of football, over 150 saves and three clean sheets, truly he is the man to be relying on.
Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa, Toky Rakotondraibe, Fenohasina Razafimaro are the other players to watch out for in the Malagasy team. The trio are on 2 goals each.
For Morocco, they are the favourites in this game. Gunning to be the first country to win the CHAN three times, they want to write history. The goal scoring abilities of Oussama Lamlioui who is the highest goal scorer of this tournament with 4 goals, the experience and composure of captain and Player of the Tournament contender, Mohammed Habie Hrimat, the Atlas Lions are well set for this.
They showed the experience, composure and collectiveness in the games against Tanzania and Senegal both in the quarterfinals and semifinals.
Who lifts the new CHAN trophy in their hands at the end of it all is a big question. We get our answers on Saturday in Kenya.
