By KUNLE SOLAJA, Casablanca

King Mohammed VI’s congratulatory message to the Atlas Lions after their CHAN 2024 victory is more than a royal gesture — it reflects a monarch whose deep passion for football has shaped the trajectory of Moroccan sport.

Since ascending the throne in 1999, King Mohammed VI has made football a cornerstone of Morocco’s soft power and international engagement.

 King Mohammed VI and the President of Royal Moroccan Football Federation, Fouzi Lekjaa, inspect the Mohammed VI Football Academy

His vision has translated into major investments that have transformed the sport at both grassroots and elite levels.

At the heart of this legacy is the Mohammed VI Football Academy, inaugurated in 2009, which has become a world-class talent hub.

Many of today’s national team stars, including members of the squad that reached the 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-finals, passed through its system.

Beyond player development, the King has overseen infrastructure upgrades that make Morocco one of Africa’s most reliable hosts for continental and global events.

State-of-the-art stadiums, training centres, and a robust domestic league system are testament to this commitment.

The monarch’s support has also boosted Morocco’s standing in international football politics.

The country has become a trusted ally of FIFA and CAF, hosting multiple youth and women’s tournaments, while continuing its pursuit of a long-cherished ambition: hosting the FIFA World Cup.

From CHAN triumphs to the unforgettable World Cup run in Qatar 2022, Morocco’s football renaissance carries the imprint of a King whose passion for the game is matched by strategic investment.

The Atlas Lions’ latest CHAN victory is thus both a sporting milestone and a reflection of a royal legacy in motion.

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By KUNLE SOLAJA, Casablanca.

In a kingdom where football flows in even the royal veins, jubilant Moroccan fans poured into the streets of Rabat and Casablanca on Saturday to celebrate their national team’s dramatic 3–2 victory over Madagascar in the African Nations Championship (CHAN) final at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, Nairobi.

The win marked Morocco’s third CHAN crown, following previous triumphs in 2018 and 2020, further cementing their dominance in the competition designed exclusively for players in domestic leagues.

Supporters hailed the spirited display of the Atlas Lions, who showcased both resilience and flair in a pulsating final.

 A stunning strike from tournament top scorer Oussama Lamlioui, who finished with six goals, proved decisive in Morocco’s hard-fought win.

Sixteen-year-old Nizar, among the celebrating fans, described the triumph as a source of national pride.

 “The victory of Mohamed Rabie Hrimat’s teammates is a pride for all Moroccans,” he said.

“The tournament was a golden opportunity for our local players to show their superiority.” Hrimat, captain of the side, was named Player of the Tournament for his leadership and consistent performances.

The CHAN 2024, hosted across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania from August 2 to 30, culminated in a final that lived up to its billing — fast-paced, dramatic, and filled with moments of individual brilliance.

For Morocco, the win reaffirmed their status as Africa’s leading force in the CHAN era.

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By KUNLE SOLAJA.

Morocco stand on the brink of history as they prepare to face Madagascar in Saturday’s African Nations Championship (CHAN) final at the Moi International Sports Centre, Nairobi.

The Atlas Lions, champions in 2018 and 2020, are gunning for a record-extending third continental crown — a feat that would cement their dominance in the tournament’s short but storied history. No other nation has won the CHAN more than twice.

Coach Tarik Sektioui’s men have impressed with a blend of tactical discipline and individual brilliance, sweeping past opponents with their trademark attacking flair.

 Much of their firepower has come from striker Oussama Lamlioui, who has already netted four times in the competition, while playmaker Youssef Belammari has quietly dictated games from midfield.

But standing in their way is Madagascar, the surprise package of CHAN 2024. The island nation, playing in their first-ever final, have captured the imagination of fans with their spirited performances and dramatic late win over Sudan in the semi-finals.

For Morocco, the stakes are clear. Victory would not only deliver another trophy but also stamp their authority as the undisputed kings of the competition.

With Morocco’s pedigree up against Madagascar’s fairytale, Saturday’s final promises to be a classic — and possibly the night Morocco etch their name deeper into CHAN folklore.

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