Morocco solidified its dominance in continental football by clinching an unprecedented third African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in 2024. The Atlas Lions emerged victorious after a thrilling 3-2 come-from-behind win against a resilient Madagascar side in the final, played on August 30, 2025, at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani in Nairobi. This historic win makes Morocco the most successful nation in CHAN history, a competition exclusively for players plying their trade in their native African leagues.

The final match was a captivating five-goal thriller that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Madagascar, making a remarkable second appearance in the CHAN tournament and their first ever CAF senior final as an island nation, started brightly. Felicite Manohantsoa stunned the Moroccan champions by netting in the ninth minute, giving the Barea an early 1-0 lead. However, Morocco quickly regrouped, with Youssef Mehri finding the equalizer in the 27th minute. The momentum swung further in Morocco's favor just before halftime when Oussama Lamlioui, who would prove to be the hero of the night, scored to give the Atlas Lions a 2-1 lead at the break.

The second half saw Madagascar's coach Romuald Rakotondrabe make strategic substitutions, bringing in players like semifinal hero Toky Rakotondraibe. This tactical move paid off after the hour mark when Toky Rakotondraibe restored parity for Madagascar in the 68th minute, finishing off Felicite Manohantsoa’s flick and slotting a low shot past El Mehdi Al Harrar to make it 2-2. With the game seemingly headed for extra time or penalties, Oussama Lamlioui produced a moment of pure magic nine minutes from time. Capitalizing on a goal kick header from Mohamed Hrimat, Lamlioui volleyed a spectacular shot from almost the halfway line, catching Madagascar's goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa far off his goal line. The audacious effort, a "screamer," sailed into the net, sealing a 3-2 victory for Morocco and completing Lamlioui's brace. This extraordinary goal, described as one that "Manchester United legends Wayne Rooney or David Beckham would have nodded in utter admiration," left both fans and opponents applauding, cementing Lamlioui's status as the tournament's standout player.

Morocco's path to victory was paved by the consistent brilliance of Oussama Lamlioui, who was crowned the tournament's top scorer with six goals. His crucial contributions included strikes in the group stage against Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo, a solitary goal eliminating Tanzania in the quarter-finals, and a successful conversion in the semi-final penalty shootout against Senegal, in addition to his match-winning brace in the final. His ability to score goals in critical moments was a defining factor in Morocco's triumph.

While Morocco celebrated their third CHAN crown, the tournament also showcased the remarkable journey of Madagascar. Their counterattacking verve and mental fortitude, particularly demonstrated by edging Sudan in extra time in the semi-final, earned them admiration across the continent, despite the bittersweet end to their historic run.

The CHAN 2024 tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, was a resounding success, earning praise from CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe as the "most successful one in the history of the competition." Held from August 2-30, 2025, after an initial postponement, the championship delivered 44 matches of high-octane football and a total of 90 goals. Kenyans, despite their national team Harambee Stars being eliminated in the quarter-finals by Madagascar, turned out in massive numbers, filling Kasarani Stadium for the final and demonstrating their profound love for the sport.

The success of the tournament was further underscored by high-level diplomatic engagements. On the final day, President William Ruto hosted FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe at State House Nairobi. President Ruto received several significant gifts, including the official match ball of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, described by Infantino as special and rare. He also received a FIFA jersey labeled number 1, symbolizing Kenya's contribution to global football, and participated in a traditional pennant exchange. Infantino lauded President Ruto's government for its commitment to football development, citing ongoing stadium constructions and refurbishments in readiness for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, which Kenya will co-host with Uganda and Tanzania. A major commitment from FIFA was the support for a Sh600 million National Technical Centre in Machakos, which will also serve as the headquarters for the Football Kenya Federation (FKF).

Beyond the champions, individual accolades were also distributed. Senegal's Marc Philippe Arona Diouf was honored as the Best Goalkeeper of CHAN 2024. The 26-year-old Teungueth FC shot-stopper was pivotal in guiding the Lions of Teranga to a bronze medal finish, securing a 4-2 penalty shootout victory over Sudan after a 1-1 draw in the third-place playoff. Diouf's commanding presence, consistency, lightning-quick reflex saves, and crucial penalty save were highlighted by CAF's Technical Study Group as defining elements of his outstanding performance.

In terms of prize money, Morocco, as champions, bagged Sh453 million along with the coveted trophy. Finalists Madagascar received Sh155 million, while third-place Senegal walked away with Sh90 million after defeating Sudan. The tournament concluded as a memorable event, showcasing the talent of local-based African players and the vibrant football culture of the East African co-hosts, setting a high benchmark for future continental championships.