Morocco emerged tops once again to lift the 2024 CHAN trophy. It didn’t come easy for them as they had to come from one goal down to win 3-2 against Madagascar whom they met in the final held at Moi International Sports Centre in Nairobi on 30th August 2025. Here’s what I got to witness.

Arrival at Kasarani

Security was tight with access to roads leading directly to the stadium restricted to only those who had valid tickets for the much awaited final. Vehicle access was to only cars that had the appropriate stickers.

Welcome to Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani

This stadium, completed just before the 4th All Africa Games in 1987, had been refurbished to bring it up to CAF standards.

The Performances

This being the final, the organisers got some of the top musicians from the three host countries of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda to add some pomp before the game started.

I managed to catch bits of Eddy Kenzo, Zuchu and Savara’s performances.

Home away from home

With both Morocco and Madagascar playing far away from home, neither had a strong fan base present. Though it appeared that Morocco had somehow swayed a larger percentage of the Kenyan crowd as a majority were supporting them, most likely because Madagascar had bundled Kenya out of CHAN 2024 at the quarter finals eight days prior.

As the teams were introduced, the Moroccan team was greeted with loud cheers from the more than 45,000 fans present, while boos greeted the Madagascan team introduction.

Madagascar had unmatched underdog energy and slowly, more Kenyans started supporting them because of the vibe and energy they had in them.

Game Time!

A few minutes to the 6pm kick off time, both teams made their way onto the Kasarani green, eager to be the ones lifting the CHAN 2024 trophy at the final whistle.

First Half

Morocco had reined in Madagascar to their half for the opening minutes. Madagascar had a good break and Felicite Mantasoa scored the first goal in the 9th minute thanks to an assist from Nantenaina Razafimahatana.

Morocco equalised though Youssef Mehri in the 27th minute.

Oussama Lamlioui scored Morocco’s second goal at the 44th minute taking them ahead of Madagascar for the first time as they headed for the break.

Second Half

Magagascar equalised in the 68th minute through Toky Rakotondraibe thanks to a Felicite Mantasoa assist. This brought the score to 2 – 2.

They were back in contention for the trophy.

In the 80th minute, Mohamed Hrimat assisted Oussama Lamlaoui to Morocco’s third goal.

This was his sixth of the tournament.

His celebration lasted too long and he received a yellow card from Abdou Abdel Mefire.

Shout out to the CHAN 2024 Storytellers

Shooting at CHAN 2024 allowed me to meet many photographers and media practitioners. We had different assignments and roles but through it all, pulled together to give the best coverage of the most important football tournament Kenya has hosted.

These are some of those who were present during the final.