Morocco Coach Explains Kenyan Fans’ Hand in Making them Clinch CHAN 2024 Title at Kasarani Stadium

Morocco coach Tarik Sektioui has explained how Kenyan fans' support enabled them to soar to a third CHAN title at Kasarani Stadium.

Morocco head coach Tarik Sektioui has credited the passionate support of Kenyan fans for playing a vital role in his side’s record-breaking triumph at the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

The Atlas Lions edged Madagascar 3–2 in a thrilling final at a packed Kasarani Stadium on Saturday night, securing their third CHAN crown and cementing their place as the most successful nation in the tournament’s history.

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Kenyan Fans as the “12th Man”

Sektioui, whose team spent three weeks in Kenya during the month-long tournament, praised te warm reception his side received throughout their stay.

“We were given a warm welcome by the Kenyan people, who supported us and showed us wings,” Sektioui told Pulse Sports after the final. “I thank the fans back home, but also the Kenyan fans who made us feel at home here.”

Kenya, eliminated by Madagascar in the quarter-finals, naturally rallied behind Morocco in the final – creating an electric atmosphere that spurred the Atlas Lions forward.

Madagascar struck first through Clavin Felicite Mantanosoa, sparking wild celebrations among their fans.

Morocco hit back through Youssef Mehri’s header, before Oussama Lamlioui – later crowned tournament top scorer – fired them into a 2–1 lead at halftime.

Madagascar equalised in the 68th minute through T.N Rakotondraibe, but with just over 10 minutes to play, Lamlioui produced a thunderous long-range strike to seal victory.

Lamlioui’s brace not only delivered the trophy but also confirmed his Golden Boot tally of six goals. Morocco walked away with KSh 455 million in prize money, a fitting reward for their historic feat.

Respect for Madagascar

Though Morocco had previously lost to Madagascar at the 2022 CHAN, Sektioui dismissed notions of revenge after the final whistle.

“No revenge in football. It is all about the moments, which are most important. We respected them as much as every opponent, took it seriously, and knew it was not going to be easy because they deserved to be in the final,” the coach explained.

Morocco’s journey to the title included eliminating reigning champions Senegal in the semi-finals. Madagascar, meanwhile, earned widespread respect for their giant-killing run, which saw them oust hosts Kenya and Sudan before falling just short at the final hurdle.

With previous titles in 2018 and 2020, Morocco now stand alone as the only nation to lift the CHAN trophy three times.