CHAN 24: Morocco beat title holders Senegal on penalties to reach the final

Morocco reached the final of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 after overcoming holders Senegal 5-3 on penalties following a tense 1-1 draw after extra-time at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala on Tuesday night.

With the match still locked at 1-1 after extra-time, penalties decided the contest.

Morocco converted all five of their spot-kicks with composure, while Senegal faltered when captain Seyni Ndiaye struck the crossbar with their opening effort, leaving them playing catch-up.

The Atlas Lions have thus booked their third CHAN final appearance in six years and ended Senegal’s dream of back-to-back titles.

Morocco’s Coach Tarik Sektioui hailed his side’s mentality: “It was a tough match against the defending champions, but the players showed composure in the key moments. We have fought hard to reach this stage, and now we want to win the trophy again.”

Senegal boss Souleymane Diallo, meanwhile, expressed pride despite the defeat: “This is a young generation writing its first chapter. They played with courage and discipline. Penalties are always cruel, but our future remains bright.”

The Atlas Lions, winners in 2018 and 2020, will now face Madagascar in Saturday’s final in Nairobi, after the island nation beat Sudan earlier in the day, while Senegal must regroup for the third-place playoff against Sudan in Dar es Salaam.

For Morocco, it is a chance to reclaim continental dominance and join the record books with a third CHAN title. For Senegal, the dream of defending their crown may have ended, but their youthful side left Kampala with dignity intact and optimism for the future, CAF commented.