Morocco won the TOTAL African Nations Championship (CHAN) for the second time by beating Mali 2-0 in a thrilling final at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde on Sunday night. The victory means the Atlas Lions became the first country to win a second successive title in the tournament designed exclusively for home-based players after winning the first trophy on home soil three years ago.
The game produced one of the most exciting CHAN finals of the modern era played out to a soundtrack of African drums. Mali and Morocco delivered an enthralling spectacle that brought delight to football enthusiasts on the continent over the quality on display.
Mali felt their luck deserted them, but ultimately Morocco ran out victorious to revive the memories of the 4-0 victory over Nigeria in the CHAN 2018 final in Casablanca. Two second-half headers by Abdelmouna Boutouil and captain Ayoub El Kaabi sealed the victory for the Atlas Lions in the tournament in Cameroon to hand them the title.
A long ball from midfield in the 63rd minute eluded both Morocco central defenders of Soufiane Bouftini and Abdelmouna Boutouil allowing striker Diallo to steal in and fire but goalkeeper Zniti produced another excellent save with his legs. Boutouil made amends six minutes later when he jumped highest to deliver a powerful header from Namsaoui’s corner kick from the right that beat goalkeeper Diarra to break the deadlock.
The Moroccans extended their lead ten minutes later under similar circumstances when captain Ayoud El Kaabi dived to head in Mohammed Ali Bemammer’s header from a corner kick from the right to spark wild celebrations from the bench of the Atlas Lions.
There was enough time for hardworking defender Isssaka Samake to be sent off for his second yellow card of the match, sealing the fate of the Malians and sparking wild jubilations by the North Africans.
Morocco star midfielder Soufiane Rahimi swept the top awards at the TOTAL African Nations Championship, Cameroon 2020 after winning the best player and top scorers awards. The 24-year-old, who plays for Raja Casablanca, was handed the award on Sunday night at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde after inspiring his side to win the tournament.
He received the top scorer award from the legendary Cameroon striker Samuel Eto’o after helping his side win the tournament. He topped the scoring charts in the competition with five goals and also received three Man of the Match awards during the three-week tournament held in the Central African country.
Guinea finished third at the TOTAL African Nations Championship (CHAN) after beating host Cameroon 2-0 in the third-place play-off on Saturday. The Syli National displayed some grit to win the match at the Reunification Stadium in Douala to win the bronze medal.
Sylla, the talented Guinea playmaker, put the Syli National in the lead in the ninth minute when the AC Horaya split the home side’s defense with his dexterity before firing past goalkeeper Haschou Kerrido. Just before the break and against the run of play, the Guineans beat an offside trap to put Mamadouba Camara through and the striker made no mistake in a one-on-one situation with Kerrido to extend their lead.
