Hosts Tanzania, Kenya fall to sharp edges of Morocco and Madagascar who advance to CHAN Semi-finals

The TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 saw two thrilling quarter-final encounters on Friday, as Morocco and Madagascar edged out co-hosts Tanzania and Kenya respectively, to book their places in the semi-finals.

The victories underscored the competitive nature of the tournament, leaving the home crowds heartbroken despite valiant efforts from their national teams.

Morocco Ends Tanzania’s Fairytale Run

In Dar es Salaam, Morocco curtailed Tanzania’s impressive debut run with a narrow 1-0 victory at the packed Benjamin Mkapa Stadium. The Atlas Lions, drawing on their experience as two-time CHAN champions, weathered a spirited challenge from the Taifa Stars to reach their third semi-final in tournament history.

The decisive moment arrived midway through the second half when striker Oussama Lamlaoui capitalized on a clever assist from Youssef Belammari in the 65th minute. Lamlaoui, who netted his third goal of the tournament, pounced from close range to silence the roaring home crowd.

Until Lamlaoui’s breakthrough, the contest had been a tactical battle. Tanzania, buoyed by an unbeaten group campaign, pressed high and created openings through Clement Mzize and Feisal Salum, but found Moroccan goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar in commanding form. Morocco gradually imposed their tempo, leading to the crucial goal.

The Taifa Stars refused to wilt, pushing forward with renewed urgency in the final minutes. Mzize went close with a header, and substitute Nassor Saadun blasted over. Morocco’s defense, marshalled by Mohamed Moufid and Mehdi Mchakhchekh, held firm under relentless pressure in stoppage time, dashing Tanzania’s dream of becoming the first CHAN debutants since Madagascar in 2022 to reach the semi-finals. Tanzania’s campaign will nonetheless be remembered as their finest yet on the continental stage.

Morocco now advances to the semi-finals, aiming to emulate their title-winning runs of 2018 and 2020.

Madagascar Edges Kenya in Dramatic Penalty Shootout

Meanwhile, in Nairobi, Kenya’s historic run at their debut CHAN tournament ended in heartbreak as Madagascar prevailed in a dramatic penalty shootout at Kasarani. After a tense 1-1 draw across 120 minutes, Madagascar held their nerve to win 4-3 on spot-kicks, with Toky Rakotondraibe converting the decisive penalty.

The Harambee Stars, roared on by a partisan home crowd, had initially seized the lead just three minutes into the second half. Center-back Alphonce Omija, who would later endure late heartbreak, rose highest to meet Boniface Muchiri’s delivery, steering a precise header into the bottom corner and sending Kasarani into delirium. Moments later, Ryan Ogam thought he had doubled the lead, but VAR intervened to disallow the strike for a foul, a decision that proved pivotal.

Madagascar regrouped and found their equalizer in the 66th minute. A Lewis Bandi handball resulted in a penalty, which Fenohasina Razafimaro calmly converted past Byrne Omondi.

With the game locked at 1-1 after extra time, the contest moved to penalties. Kenya’s Siraj Mohammed, Daniel Sakari, and Sylvester Owino scored confidently. However, the pressure told as Mike Kibwage’s effort was saved by Madagascar keeper Michel Ramandimbisoa.

The cruel symmetry of football saw Alphonce Omija, Kenya’s goalscorer, then drag his attempt wide, setting the stage for Toky Rakotondraibe to seal Madagascar’s semi-final berth with a low drive past Omondi.

For Kenya, it was a bitter conclusion to a historic campaign. The Harambee Stars had arrived unbeaten from the group stage, topping a tough pool. Coach Benni McCarthy will reflect on a tournament that delivered pride and defensive resilience, having conceded just twice in five matches, though a struggle to score freely ultimately cost them at this crucial stage.

The CHAN PAMOJA 2024 now moves into its penultimate stage with Morocco and Madagascar setting up exciting semi-final clashes, promising more continental drama.