Morocco are through to the final of CHAN 2024 after a high-stakes semifinal victory over defending champions Senegal at Mandela National Stadium, Namboole Uganda. Prevailing 5-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a gripping 1-1 draw in regular and extra time. In pursuit of their third CHAN title, the Atlas Lions showed resilience, poise under pressure, and clinical nerve from the spot to book a date with Madagascar in Saturday’s final in Nairobi.

The match opened with cagey intensity, as both teams looked to assert themselves early without leaving too many gaps behind. Morocco controlled much of the early possession, but Senegal struck first in the 16th minute. From a well-delivered corner, Libasse Gueye rose highest to meet the ball, and his knockdown fell perfectly to Joseph Layousse, who fired home to give the defending champions a 1-0 lead.

Morocco responded with urgency, pressing high and forcing errors. Their equalizer came swiftly in the 22nd minute through Sabir Bougrine, who found space outside the box and unleashed a powerful right-footed shot that beat goalkeeper Marc Diouf. The goal reignited Moroccan belief, and they nearly went ahead before the break, with Anas Bach forcing a sharp save from Diouf in the 40th minute.

The second half intensified, with fouls, substitutions, and VAR drama. The key flashpoint came in the 53rd minute when Marouane Louadni was shown a straight red card for a reckless challenge on Velho Cisse, leaving Morocco to play with ten men. However, after a VAR review, the red was downgraded to a yellow allowing Morocco to breathe a collective sigh of relief and continue at full strength.

As the game wore on, both teams created half-chances but lacked the clinical touch. Senegal came close to regaining the lead through Layousse and Moussa Cissé, while Morocco’s Youssef Mehri saw his header expertly saved by Diouf in the 66th minute. With neither side able to find a winner in regulation time, extra time followed a tense and tactical 30 minutes filled with substitutions, fouls, and one-way traffic as Morocco looked the more likely to steal it late.

Morocco’s best chance in extra time came in the 110th minute, when Youssef Belammari’s curling left-footed strike flew just wide. Oussama Lamlaoui also came close earlier, with a blocked effort from distance. But ultimately, after 120 minutes of football, the teams could not be separated, and penalties beckoned.

The shootout was executed with composure and quality from the Moroccans. Mohamed Rabie Hrimat set the tone, squeezing his effort into the bottom corner. Senegal’s Seyni Ndiaye cracked the bar, handing Morocco an early advantage. Oussama Lamlaoui, Ayoub Khairi, and Anas Bach all converted expertly, while Senegal’s Velho Cisse, Baye Ciss, and Daouda Ba replied in kind. But it was Youssef Mehri who delivered the decisive moment, slamming Morocco’s fifth penalty into the bottom right corner to seal the win at 5-3 sending Moroccan players and staff in celebration.

It was a test of endurance, mentality, and precision and they passed with distinction. Defending champions Senegal exit the tournament at the penultimate hurdle, having battled hard but ultimately falling short in the lottery of penalties.

For Morocco, the journey continues. They will now face Madagascar, surprise victors over Sudan, in the grand final this Saturday, August 30, at Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium. One match remains,ninety minutes to reclaim continental glory.