Madagascar vs Morocco CHAN 2024 final preview
  • Madagascar vs Morocco CHAN 2024 final match will be played on Saturday, August 30, at the Kasarani Stadium.
  • The match is set to kick off from 6:00 PM East Africa Time.
  • Morocco will be seeking their third historic CHAN title, while Madagascar will be aiming for their maiden title quest.

On Saturday, August 30, Kenyans will witness a blockbuster finale as Madagascar faces Morocco in the Africa Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani, from 6:00 PM EAT.

This match will bring the curtain down on a historic continental tournament, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with 19 nations taking part in this prestigious showpiece that features only players who represent local clubs.

Of the two, they defied expectations from the group stage through the quarterfinals and now the final.

However, Morocco entered this tournament as the favourites, having won this title consecutively in 2018 and 2020.

And this being their fifth appearance, the Atlas Lions will be seeking to make history in their name as the first team to win the CHAN title three times.

ALSO READ: CHAN 2024: Senegal stun Sudan in shootout to secure third place

While Madagascar, cannot be simply labeled underdogs.

This marks only their second appearance in the tournament; after a debut in 2022 where they finished third, reaching this final is a monumental achievement.

A victory would see them become the 13th different nation to win the championship and the first Southern African team to lift the trophy.

Since 2011, at least one finalist has been a team that has never previously won the competition.

If Madagascar triumphs, it would be the second tournament in a row with new champions, following Senegal’s victory in 2022.

What time does Madagascar vs Morocco kick off?

The Madagascar vs Morocco CHAN 2024 final match is set to kick off at 6.00 PM East Africa Time on Saturday August 30 at the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani, Nairobi.

Madagascar vs Morocco CHAN 2024 final tickets

The tickets for this encounter, as per the body that was given the mandate to sell them in Kenya Moohk, are sold out.

Tickets were available starting from 200 for regular attendees and 500 for the silver category.

Despite Kenya not participating, the 48,000-capacity renovated Kasarani Stadium is expected to be full to the brim.

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The Barea vs Atlas Lions Team News

Both teams have not announced any injuries in their camps; however, they exhibit contrasting tactical philosophies.

Madagascar coach Romuald Rakotondrabe has consistently employed a defensive setup, taking advantage of his experienced veteran goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa, who has been outstanding between the sticks.

Therefore, not much is expected to change tactically.

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As for Morocco, head coach Tarik Sektioui has preferred an aggressive attacking style throughout the tournament.

He will be counting on his offensive players; with Youssef Mehri having created 12 chances and three assists, the joint-most at the tournament, while Oussama Lamlaoui is top scorer with four goals in five games.

Sabir Boubrine also netted his second goal in the semifinal vs Senegal.

Madagascar vs Morocco probable line-up

Madagascar XI: Toldo, Nicholas, Toky, Tony, Mantirisha, Lalaina, Fenohasina, Njawo, Gregass, Bono, R. Niaina

Morocco Starting XI: Harrar, Bach, Louadni, Boulacsout, Lamlioui, Bougrine, Belammari, Mehri, Hrimat, Baba, Mchakhchekh.

ALSO READ: CHAN 2024: 10-man Madagascar beat Sudan in extra time to reach historic final

Madagascar vs Morocco CHAN 2024 road to the final

Coming into this tournament, Morocco had gone a total of 14 matches without tasting defeat, only to lose to Kenya in their 15th match in the group stage, falling 1-0 to a ten-man Harambee Stars.

However, they managed to finish second in Group A with nine points after a 2-0 win over Angola, followed by the 1-0 loss to Kenya, then back-to-back 3-1 wins against Zambia and DR Congo.

CHAN 2024: Morocco defeat Senegal on penalties to set up decider against Madagascar
PHOTO CAF

They advanced to the quarterfinals in Tanzania, where they edged out the hosts 1-0 at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, setting up a meeting with defending champions Senegal in the semifinal.

They managed to overcome Senegal on penalties 5-3 after a 1-1 draw.

ALSO READ: Former Harambee Stars Captain Victor Wanyama rallies Kenyans to support Morocco in CHAN 2024 final

For Madagascar, in only their second appearance and first-ever final, they were in Group B, where they came second with seven points.

They booked a quarterfinal in Nairobi where they faced Kenya and beat them on penalties 4-3 after a 1-1 draw.

They proceeded to the semis, where they faced Sudan and narrowly beat them 1-0 in extra time.

Head to head

In the same competition, Madagascar beat Morocco in 2022 a 3-0 win.

Madagascar vs Morocco Form

  • Madagascar: L W W D W
  • Morocco: L W W W D

Where to watch Madagascar vs Morocco CHAN 2024 final

Broadcasters across Africa

Fans across Africa will be able to follow the action live through CAF’s trusted broadcast partners.

SuperSport, KBC and Azam TV in Kenya, TBC and Azam TV in Tanzania, and FUFA TV and UBC in Uganda will beam the final directly into homes.

Coverage extends further across the continent with SABC Sport in South Africa, RTNC in DR Congo, TVM in Madagascar, ORTM in Mali, RTB in Burkina Faso, CRTV in Cameroon, TPA in Angola, and NTA in Nigeria, among others.

International coverage

Beyond Africa, CAF has secured strong international distribution. Matches will be aired live by Canal+, beIN Sport, and New World TV.

In Europe, Sport TV (Portugal) and Ziggo (Netherlands) will provide coverage, while in South America, Band (Brazil) will broadcast the final.

Additional coverage will also be available across Asia and the Middle East, highlighting the growing global interest in CHAN.

What’s at stake for Madagascar vs Morocco CHAN 2024 final?

The prize money for the winner in the CHAN 2024 tournament is significant.

Either Morocco or Madagascar will take home a total of $3,500,000 (Ksh. 452,200,000).

The second-place team will pocket a total of $1,200,000 (Ksh. 155,040,000).

Madagascar vs Morocco CHAN 2024 final Prediction

Madagascar enter this match as the underdogs, considering the superiority of Morocco’s high-pressing gameplay.

However, having reached their first-ever final, they might spring a surprise, as they are equally eager to etch their name into the history books.

For Morocco, a third championship awaits, and they’ll be going all in for it.

Therefore, this match, as much as it showcases contrasting tactics, could go either way possibly being decided in penalties or extra time.

By Magiri Brian

Brian Magiri is a passionate sports journalist and all-around sports enthusiast. He loves diving into the worlds of football, rugby, basketball, tennis, and Formula 1, bringing stories to life with energy and insight. For Brian, anything exciting happening in sports is worth exploring and sharing.

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