Morocco head coach thanks Kenyans for overwhelming support in CHAN final victory
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Reading Time: 2min | Mon. 01.09.25. | 07:13
The Atlas Lions were celebrated all game, while Madagascar's efforts were greeted with loud boos
Morocco head coach Tarik Sektioui recognised Kenyan fans for their efforts in rallying behind his team as they overcame Madagascar to lift the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) title on Saturday, 30 August.
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Sektioui and the Atlas Lions were recipients of overwhelming support from the majority of the Kenyan fanbase present at the Moi International Sports Centre - Kasarani, and the 48-year-old thought the backing played a role in them clawing back from an early deficit to winning the tie and stamping their dominance in the competition.
In a frenetic finale, Madagascar, who eliminated Kenya in the quarter-finals, took the lead through Clavin Manohantsoa, before Morocco staged a fightback through Youssef Mehri and tournament top goalscorer Oussama Lamlioui.
The Barea, who were booed all evening, however, had other ideas when they equalised in the 68th minute via substitute Toky Niaina, only for Lamlioui to hit back at them with an audacious shot that looped over star keeper Michel Ramandimbisoa and into the net.
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Speaking after the game, Sektioui, a man who had grown fond of Kenyan fans having seen his team play all their group matches in the country, told Pulse Sports: “We were given a warm welcome by the Kenyan people, who supported us and showed us wings.
“I thank the fans back home, but also the Kenyan fans who made us feel at home here.”
It is widely thought that Kenyans took a liking for the Atlas Lions more as a revenge for Madagascar, who edged Harambee Stars on penalties on Friday, 22 August in the quarters.
Meanwhile, Man-of-the-Match Lamlioui said his team had repaid the faith placed on them, saying: “I thank the Moroccan supporters immensely. We told them to trust us, and we have proved now that we were worthy of that trust.”
The win for Morocco made them the first team to win three CHAN titles, having also claimed back-to-back triumphs in 2018 and 2020.
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