CHAN 2024: History beckons for Morocco and Madagascar in big final

A journey that began 28 days ago - on 2 August in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania - reaches its conclusion this evening at the Moi International Sports Centre - Kasarani.

Unfortunately for the regional support, no East African nation is involved in the grand finale despite hosting it, but it all seems befitting that the two most resilient teams over the last month match up in what will truly be a memorable night in Nairobi.

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On one side is Morocco, a team that holds the now celebrated tag of being the only nation to have traversed through the three host nations, in search of history.

On the other end, tournament underdogs Madagascar, who have against all odds, proved many wrong by going a step further than their historic run to bronze three years ago.

The two nations, who each bear a loss in their road to the tape, have captured the hearts and the imagination of all those on the sidelines, but for a brief moment - maybe 120 minutes - their feel-good stories will be put aside, each corner in search of what they believe belongs to them.

Having come out of a slugfest with defending champions Senegal four nights ago in Kampala, Morocco coach Tarik Sektioui will believe his side are destined for the title, which they have won in two of the last three editions.

After a wake-up call against Kenya’s Harambee Stars on matchday two, the Atlas Lions, despite having to deal with extra travel, have brushed aside their opposition with incredible detail, a trait the former Porto man calls “working with modesty.”

CHAN 2024: How Morocco recovered from Harambee Stars defeat to stay on course for third title

Up ahead of them is a chance to make history: first nation to win three Africa Nations Championships (CHAN), a feat that will go a long way in confirming their dominance in the continent.

The prospect may spark nerves, but Salaheddine Rahouli knows better.

"Winning this title for the third time is a source of pride for all of us,” the midfielder said in Friday’s press conference. “We are aware of the responsibility we bear, and we hope to offer this third title to the Moroccan supporters.

The Moroccan team is the only one that has travelled to the three host countries of this edition, but this gives us the will and determination to overcome the difficulties and win the title.”

Perhaps a familiar sound in the ear of many, is the belief in Madagascar coach Romuald Rakotondrabe’s voice.

Despite seeing his side battle a man down against Mauritania, suffer to co-hosts Tanzania, survive a nail-biter against Burkina Faso and fend off Benni McCarthy’s men in enemy territory, the brave men have found a way, through sheer grit, to their own chance of legendary status.

As big as winning three titles is for Morocco, a chance at becoming the first Southern African and island nation to lift the trophy, fuels The Barea to complete the fairytale.

“Morocco are the favourites; they are a big country in football,” Rakotondrabe said on Friday.

“But Madagascar are not here by luck. We worked hard for our place. We will go into the game to compete strongly, because we are here on merit, and we want to show our worth.”

After their semifinal victory over Sudan - where in typical fashion they went a man down but still scored a winner deep in extra time - fireworks lit up the Antananarivo sky.

The Island country could well be poised for delirium, should the unthinkable happen again.

CHAN 2024: Madagascar coach lost for words after edging Sudan with 10 men

“The secret to our success has been hard work,” Rakotondrabe said. “If we win, it will be like a dream come true.

It will make the people of Madagascar happy, because life is difficult there. They will know we have done something special, bringing joy to the country.”

Bring on the final!