Nairobi, Kenya: The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) Saturday concluded in Nairobi with Morocco asserting total dominance, not only lifting the trophy with a 3-2 victory over Madagascar but also sweeping all the top individual awards at the month-long tournament co-hosted in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
Atlas Lions captain Mohamed Rabie Hrimat was named Most Valuable Player of the tournament, while star striker Oussama Lamlioui took home the Top Scorer award, finishing with six goals. Morocco also walked away with the ultimate prize, the CHAN trophy for a record third time, having previously won in 2018 and 2020.
Hrimat, 31, epitomised leadership and consistency throughout the campaign, guiding Morocco from the group stage to the final. His vision and discipline in midfield were central to the team’s balance, as he contributed two goals and two assists.
He also collected multiple Player of the Match awards, including standout performances against Angola and Tanzania, cementing his reputation as one of Africa’s finest home-based midfielders.
Lamlioui, meanwhile, proved decisive in front of goal. The RS Berkane striker struck twice in the final against Madagascar, adding to his earlier goals against Zambia, DR Congo and Tanzania.
His ability to deliver under pressure was also evident in the semi-final, where he converted during the penalty shootout against Senegal. With six goals in total, Lamlioui succeeded Algeria’s Aymen Mahious as CHAN’s top scorer, continuing Morocco’s tradition of Golden Boot winners.
While Morocco claimed most of the honours, Senegal also left East Africa with notable recognition. Goalkeeper Marc Arona Diouf was named Best Goalkeeper of the tournament after a series of commanding displays that helped the Teranga Lions secure bronze.
His crucial penalty save in the third-place play-off against Sudan sealed a 4-2 shootout victory after a 1-1 draw. Diouf conceded just three goals in five matches, underlining his calm leadership and reliability under pressure.
Senegal also received the Fair Play award, rewarded for their discipline, respect, and sportsmanship throughout the competition. The Teranga Lions finished with one of the lowest disciplinary tallies of the tournament, including no direct red cards, underlining their competitive spirit matched with respect for the game.
Runners-up Madagascar were also recognised for their historic run to the final, where they pushed Morocco all the way before falling 3-2 in Nairobi. Their campaign, highlighted by a semi-final victory over Sudan, confirmed their rise as a force in African football.
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