CHAN 2024: Morocco Beat Madagascar 3-2 to Claim Title and $3.5m Prize
Morocco won the 2024 CHAN trophy after a 3-2 victory over Madagascar, securing $3.5 million.
The triumph reflects Morocco’s football progress, contrasting Nigeria’s men’s struggles and women’s consistent dominance.
The 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) concluded dramatically on Saturday, with Morocco defeating Madagascar 3-2 at the Moi International Sports Centre to clinch the trophy and a $3.5 million prize.


Youssef Mehri contributed a goal, and Oussama Lamlaoui scored twice, allowing the North African team to take charge of the match. Meanwhile, Madagascar’s C.F. Manohantsoa and T. N. Rakotondraibe replied to keep the contest alive. Morocco held firm to secure the gold medal, while Madagascar earned $1.2 million for finishing runners-up.
The victory highlights Morocco’s growing dominance in African football at both men’s and women’s levels. The North African nation has consistently invested in sports infrastructure and grassroots development, a commitment reflected in its recent results.
Morocco’s women’s national team finished second at the 2022 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON), losing to South Africa in the final. Meanwhile, the men’s senior team made history by reaching the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, becoming the first African nation to achieve such a feat.
In sharp contrast, Nigeria, historically one of Africa’s football giants, has endured mixed fortunes. The Super Eagles, three-time African Cup of Nations champions, suffered a disappointing early exit at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and have struggled in the ongoing 2026 World Cup qualifiers, winning only once in their six matches.
Their quick exit has raised questions about leadership, planning, and the future of Nigerian men’s football.
Conversely, Nigeria’s women’s football team, the Super Falcons, stands out as the leading female team on the continent. During the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, held in Australia and New Zealand, they successfully reached the Round of 16, finishing the group stage without a loss and receiving international acclaim for their determination against strong rivals, including Canada and Australia. The Falcons’ performance underscored Nigeria’s strength in women’s football even as the men’s team struggles.
Morocco’s CHAN triumph, combined with its women’s national team’s runner-up finish in CAF competition, demonstrates the results of long-term investment in both male and female football. Nigeria presents a story of two sides: the persistent excellence of the Super Falcons and the declining performance of the Super Eagles.