The Mandela National Stadium in Kampala witnessed a pulsating clash on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, as Moroccobattled defending champions Senegal in the semi-final of the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN 2024).
In what many had billed as a “final before the final,” the two African giants delivered an intense contest that ultimately went all the way to penalties. After a 1–1 draw in regular and extra time, the Atlas Lions held their nerve to win 5–3 on spot-kicks, securing their place in Saturday’s final against Madagascar.
Senegal Strike First
The encounter burst into life early when Joseph Layousse gave Senegal the lead in the 16th minute. Rising highest from a pinpoint corner by Libasse Guèye, Layousse headed the ball into the net, sparking jubilation among the Teranga Lions’ fans. It was a goal that showcased Senegal’s aerial dominance and set the tone for a fierce first half.
But Morocco, twice CHAN champions, responded quickly. Just seven minutes later, Sabir Bougrine produced one of the tournament’s standout moments, rifling a thunderous long-range strike into the top corner. The equaliser stunned Senegal and restored balance, proving Morocco’s resilience under pressure.
Morocco Regain Composure
After pulling level, Morocco began to control possession, slowing down Senegal’s early momentum. Their midfield trio dictated the tempo, while winger Youssef Mehri constantly probed the Senegalese backline. Senegal, however, nearly reclaimed the lead when Moussa Cissé tested Moroccan goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar with a curling shot from distance, which was acrobatically tipped over.
The first half ended 1–1, with both teams showing attacking intent but also clear respect for each other’s defensive organisation.
VAR Drama and Second-Half Tensions
The second half carried the same intensity. Midway through, controversy struck when Moroccan defender Marouane Louadni appeared to foul Vieux Cissé, prompting the referee to issue a straight red card. Yet, after a VAR review, the decision was downgraded to a yellow, allowing Morocco to continue with eleven men. The incident, however, shifted momentum, with Senegal pushing harder for a breakthrough.
Both goalkeepers became heroes as the minutes ticked on. Marc Diouf, between the Senegal posts, denied Morocco twice, first from a Youssef Mehri drive and later from an Oussama Lamlaoui strike. At the other end, Al Harrar remained equally commanding, frustrating Senegal’s forward line with timely saves.
Extra Time: Nerves Take Over
As the match moved into extra time, fatigue crept in. The tempo slowed, and both teams struggled to carve out clear chances. Morocco relied on quick counter-attacks, while Senegal looked more direct, pumping balls into the Moroccan area.
Despite flashes of brilliance, Lamlaoui’s curling effort and Ndiaye’s glancing header, the decisive goal never came. With neither side able to find the net, the semi-final inevitably headed for the drama of penalties.
Penalty Shootout: Morocco’s Calm Prevails
In the shootout, Morocco’s composure proved the difference. The Atlas Lions converted all five of their penalties, with Hrimat, Lamlaoui, Khairi, Bach, and Mehri all scoring confidently. Senegal faltered at the worst possible time—captain Seyni Ndiaye struck the crossbar with their second penalty, leaving his teammates chasing.
Morocco’s perfect record from the spot sealed a 5–3 shootout victory, sending them into their third CHAN final in history and keeping alive their hopes of reclaiming the title they last won in 2021.
Post-Match Reactions
Speaking after the triumph, Moroccan coach Tarik Sektioui hailed his players’ resilience and unity: “This joy warms the heart. I love these players because they carry Morocco in their hearts. Against a great team like Senegal, we showed mental strength and character.”
For Senegal, coach Pape Thiaw acknowledged the pain of the defeat but praised his team’s performance. “We dominated parts of the game and created chances, but football can be cruel. One missed penalty made the difference.”
Morocco will now face Madagascar in the CHAN final on Saturday, August 30, at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, in Nairobi. It will be a clash of styles—Madagascar’s fairytale run against Morocco’s pedigree and experience. Meanwhile, Senegal will travel to Dar es Salaam to contest the third-place playoff against Sudan.
The final promises fireworks, with Morocco aiming for a record-equalling third CHAN crown, while Madagascar dreams of a historic maiden title.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Comments are closed.