The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) reaches its thrilling conclusion this Saturday at a sold-out Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani in Nairobi, where a heavyweight contender meets a history-chasing underdog. Two-time champions Morocco face debut finalists Madagascar in a CHAN 2024 final brimming with storylines, pressure, and the promise of glory.

Morocco, aiming for a record third CHAN title after triumphs in 2018 and 2020, return to Nairobi where they played group stage matches. Their journey has been near-perfect. Drawn in Group A, Morocco opened with a 1-0 win over Angola but lost 0-1 to hosts Kenya in their second match. They bounced back with victories against Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, both 3-1, finishing second in the group to advance to the quarterfinals. There, they faced Tanzania at a sold-out Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, navigating a tough match against the home crowd to secure a 1-0 win. In the semifinals at Uganda’s Nelson Mandela Stadium, Morocco edged out defending champions Senegal 5-3 on penalties after a 1-1 draw in regular time, booking their place in the final.

Madagascar, in only their second CHAN appearance, have captured the imagination of the continent. Drawn in Group B, they opened with a 0-0 draw against Mauritania before a 1-2 loss to hosts Tanzania left them written off. However, they bounced back with a 2-0 win over the Central African Republic and a hard-fought 2-1 victory against Burkina Faso to advance to the quarterfinals. They then flew to Nairobi to face CHAN co-hosts Kenya in front of a passionate home crowd, drawing 1-1 in regular time and winning 4-3 on penalties. In the semifinals, they traveled to Tanzania to face Sudan at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, scoring in extra time to secure a 1-0 victory and a historic final berth.

Having navigated such challenging campaigns, both teams arrive in the final with confidence and momentum, setting the stage for a high-stakes tactical battle. Morocco’s squad, built on experience and individual quality, brings composure and technical mastery, while Madagascar’s fearless, resilient side embodies determination and opportunistic counter-attacks.

Morocco’s coach, Tarik Sektioui, will rely on key performers like Mohamed Rabie Hrimat, Sabir Bougrine, and Ayoub Khairi to dictate tempo, while goalkeeper Al Harrar Elmehdi has been rock-solid between the posts. Youssef Belammari’s creativity, balance, and vision allow Morocco to control the rhythm and direction of play. RS Berkane’s Lamlioui Oussama, the tournament’s top scorer, has led the attack with lethal precision and will be looking to add another goal to secure the Golden Boot. Morocco are equally dangerous on set pieces, with Lamlioui’s aerial prowess and defenders like Anas Bach providing targets, while Wydad’s Bougrine and RS Berkane’s Youssef Mehri consistently deliver accurate dead-ball deliveries.

Madagascar coach Romuald Rakotondrabe has instilled a resilient, unyielding spirit in his side, blending compact defensive organization with lightning-fast counter-attacks. Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa has impressed on the flanks, while Toky Rakotondraibe scored the decisive goal against Sudan. Goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa has been a standout performer, recording 25 saves and three clean sheets. He was decisive in the semifinal against Kenya, saving a penalty to secure their spot in the final, and again starred against Sudan, preserving a clean sheet through 120 minutes of high-intensity football.

Tactically, Morocco will look to dominate possession and patiently break defensive lines, while Madagascar will stay disciplined, seeking to exploit counter-attacks and set-piece opportunities. This final is a classic clash between a structured, tournament-tested powerhouse and a fearless underdog writing a new chapter in their history.

Probable XIs

Morocco: Harrar (GK), Anas Bach, Marouane Louadni, Boulacsout, Sabir Bougrine, Youssef Belammari, Youssef Mehri, Rabie Hrimat, Mchakhchekh, Lamlioui Oussama, Anass El Mahraoui

Madagascar: Ramandimbisoa M (GK), Andrianarimanana A., Rabearivelo B., Rabemanjara R., Rafanomezantsoa L. C., Ranaivoson J., Randriamanampisoa N (C), Randriamanampisoa N., Randrianirina H., Razafimahatana M, Razafimaro F

Kick-off is at 6:00 PM EAT, and with tickets sold out, the atmosphere inside Kasarani promises to be electric. The stakes are enormous: Morocco chase history, while Madagascar dare to dream of their first-ever continental title.