Morocco sealed their place in the final of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 after defeating defending champions Senegal 5-3 on penalties, Sports247 reports.
The defeat of the Senegal came after a tense 1-1 draw after extra-time at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Tuesday night.
The Atlas Lions, winners in 2018 and 2020, will now face tournament debutants Madagascar in Saturday’s final in Nairobi.
Senegal drop to the third-place playoff against Sudan in Dar es Salaam in a repeat of the counter in group D when the two sides battle to a goalless draw.
Senegal started brightly and took the lead in the 16th minute through Joseph Layousse, who powered home a header from Libasse Guèye’s corner.
Morocco responded swiftly, as Sabir Bougrine unleashed a stunning strike from distance in the 23rd minute to restore parity.
Both sides created chances before the interval, with Layousse missing narrowly for Senegal and Anas Bach denied by goalkeeper Marc Diouf at the other end.
The second half was more tactical, with Morocco controlling possession while Senegal threatened through set pieces.
Goalkeepers El Mehdi Al Harrar and Marc Diouf produced crucial saves to keep the scoreline level, while late efforts from Oussama Lamlaoui and Bonaventure Fonseca went close during extra time.
With the match still tied at 1-1 after 120 minutes, penalties decided the contest. Morocco converted all five of their spot kicks through Hrimat, Lamlaoui, Khairi, Bach and Mehri. Senegal’s captain Seyni Ndiaye struck the crossbar with their first attempt, leaving his side chasing.
Though Vieux Cissé, Baye Ciss and Daouda Ba scored, the early miss proved costly.
Morocco’s 5-3 triumph secured their third CHAN final appearance in six years. Coach Tarik Sektioui praised his players’ composure, while Senegal coach Souleymane Diallo lauded his young squad’s courage despite the heartbreak.
The Atlas Lions now eye a third CHAN crown against Madagascar in Nairobi.
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