OUSSAMA Lamlioui dedicated Morocco’s record third TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) title to the nation’s supporters after scoring twice in a dramatic 3-2 victory over Madagascar in the final at Nairobi’s Moi International Sports Centre.
The RS Berkane forward was named TotalEnergies Man of the Match for his brace — his second award of the tournament after his group-stage heroics against DR Congo — and also secured the Golden Boot with six goals.
A nation rewarded
With over 38 million Moroccans following the Atlas Lions’ campaign, Lamlioui said the team had repaid the faith placed in them.
“I thank the Moroccan supporters immensely,” he said.
“We told them to trust us, and we’ve proved now that we were worthy of that trust.”
His decisive second goal in the 80th minute stunned Madagascar and coach Tarik Sektioui alike, ensuring Morocco avoided extra-time and lifted the trophy for the third time after previous triumphs in 2018 and 2020.
Decisive contributions
Lamlioui opened the scoring in the 44th minute, before Madagascar levelled through Toky Rakotondraibe’s opportunistic finish.
But with the contest poised at 2-2 in the closing stages, the striker’s precision finish beat Michel Lalain’arinjaka to secure a famous win for Morocco.
“This is thanks to the efforts of my teammates,” Lamlioui stressed.
“Without them, I would never have reached this stage. We’ve entered history after winning three CHAN titles. We dedicate this trophy to His Majesty King Mohammed VI.”
Golden Boot winner
Lamlioui’s goalscoring form proved the difference throughout the tournament.
From his brace against DR Congo in the group stage to his clinical finishing in the final, the 29-year-old consistently delivered in key moments.
His total of five goals placed him ahead of South Africa’s Thabiso Kutumela, Uganda’s Allan Okello, and Algeria’s Soufiane Bayazid, all of whom finished on three.
He also showed composure in the semi-final, converting his penalty in the shootout win over Senegal that secured Morocco’s place in the decider.
Setting the tone for AFCON
Beyond CHAN success, Lamlioui’s performances add momentum to Morocco’s preparations for hosting the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in December.
His ability to combine composure with decisive finishing has raised hopes that he could earn a call-up to the senior squad for the continental showpiece.
For now, however, Lamlioui and his teammates are basking in the glow of a victory that further cements Morocco’s reputation as CHAN specialists and offers a reminder of the strength of the domestic game. – CAFonline
