The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) semifinals delivered both drama and historic moments. Played on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, these matches set the stage for an intriguing final between established giants and debutant dreamers.
At Kampala’s Nelson Mandela National Stadium, reigning champions Senegal squared off against two-time winners Morocco. The hosts opened the scoring in the 16th minute when Joseph Layousse rose highest to head in from a precise Libasse Guèye corner. Just seven minutes later, Sabir Bougrine responded with a stunning long-range strike into the top corner, levelling the match and swinging the momentum Morocco’s way.
The match ended 1-1 after regulation and extra time, leading to a penalty shootout. Morocco held their nerves and converted all five of their spot-kicks, edging out Senegal 5-3 in a tense shootout. This victory booked them their third CHAN final in six years and dashed Senegal’s hopes of a back-to-back title.
Coach Tarik Sektioui praised his side, noting, “It was a tough match against the defending champions, but the players showed composure in the key moments.” Senegal’s coach Souleymane Diallo reflected on his youthful side’s effort, saying, “They played with courage and discipline. Penalties are always cruel, but our future remains bright.”
Meanwhile, in Dar es Salaam at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium, an equally compelling drama unfolded between Madagascar and Sudan. The match saw Madagascar reduced to ten men late in the game but their resilience paid off.
In the 116th minute of extra time, substitute Toky Rakotondraibe, off the assist of Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa, delivered the decisive blow to seal a 1-0 win. This remarkable victory not only earned Madagascar a place in their first-ever CHAN final but also made them the first island nation to reach a CAF senior competition final.
The 2024 CHAN, despite its name, is being held in August 2025 due to a postponed schedule, hosted across Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—marking the first time three nations co-hosted the tournament.
Morocco, having lifted the title in both 2018 and 2020, entered the semifinals as one of the competition’s most consistent performers. Senegal, champions from 2022, were equally formidable, fielding a youthful team hungry to defend their crown.
On the other hand, Madagascar and Sudan journeyed to this stage with different narratives. Sudan, under Ghanaian coach Kwesi Appiah, overcame multiple obstacles—including topping their group and defeating strong teams like Algeria—to reach the semis. Appiah emphasized, “Our journey wasn’t easy. This is a semi-final, and it won’t be easy. We will fight throughout the match until the end. Our goal is to make the Sudanese people happy.”
Madagascar’s story is one of unity and belief: after beating Kenya on penalties in Nairobi, coach Romuald Rakotondrabe said, “Our strength lies in our unity. The win against Kenya boosted our confidence. We now believe in the power of teamwork, and we will fight to qualify for the CHAN final.”
This Saturday, at Nairobi’s Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, Morocco and Madagascar will lock horns in a final that juxtaposes experience versus spirit, pedigree against ambition. Morocco will be aiming to reclaim their continental dominance with a third CHAN title, while Madagascar chase a historic first. The narrative couldn’t be more compelling—or symbolic of the unpredictable charm of African football.
For Morocco, the advantage lies in their composure under pressure and track record in the tournament’s business end. Their recent semifinal penalty performance illustrated both technical skill and mental resilience. Madagascar, however, offer an electrifying underdog story—an entire nation united behind them, believing that teamwork and heart can defy history.
Morocco has done this before and knows how to manage the big moments. Madagascar, conversely, have nothing to lose and everything to prove, buoyed by the exhilaration of a first-ever final appearance.
Coach Tarik Sektioui of Morocco encapsulated the mindset driving their semifinal success: “It was a tough match against the defending champions, but the players showed composure in the key moments.” Senegal’s Souleymane Diallo, while disappointed, remained positive: “Penalties are always cruel, but our future remains bright.”
From Madagascar’s camp, Romuald Rakotondrabe summed up his side’s ethos: “Our strength lies in our unity… we now believe in the power of teamwork.” And from Sudan’s coach Kwesi Appiah came this poignant reflection: “Our journey wasn’t easy… we will fight throughout the match until the end. Our goal is to make the Sudanese people happy.”