Morocco cemented their dominance of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) on Saturday with a record third title, edging Madagascar 3-2 in a pulsating final at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi.

The Atlas Lions, champions in 2018 and 2020, were pushed to the limit by first-time finalists Madagascar but relied on their experience and the brilliance of star striker Oussama Lamlaoui, who scored twice to finish as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals.

Madagascar stunned the crowd early when Felicite Manohatsoa fired a long-range strike into the net in the ninth minute. But Morocco responded in the 27th minute as Youssef Mehri burst through the Malagasy defence to level the scores, sending the predominantly Moroccan crowd into celebration.

Berkane forward Lamlaoui then put Morocco ahead shortly before halftime, only for Toky Rakotondraibe Madagascar’s semi-final hero to restore parity midway through the second half.

The decisive moment came 10 minutes from time when Lamlaoui, spotting goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa off his line, unleashed a spectacular 40-yard strike that sailed into the net. The audacious effort, widely hailed as the goal of the tournament, sealed Morocco’s third CHAN crown in six years and earned them $3.5 million in prize money. Madagascar, though heartbroken, walked away with silver and a $1.2 million payout.

Sabir Bougrine also netted for Morocco, while Madagascar’s Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa pulled one back late on to set up a tense finish. The islanders pressed for an equaliser with two stoppage-time corners, but Morocco’s defence held firm.

For Morocco, the victory confirmed their status as CHAN’s most successful team. For Madagascar, the fairytale run made history: in just their second CHAN appearance, they became the first island nation and the 13th country overall to reach a CAF senior final.

For Madagascar, their silver medal was more than consolation  it was a sign of a new dawn for Malagasy football.