Atlas Lions focused on historic third Chan title

The Atlas Lions of Morocco are just one match away from winning a record third African Nations Championship (Chan) title.

Having eliminated holders Senegal from the tournament at a nearly empty Namboole Stadium, Kampala on Tuesday, it is evident that as they continue chasing history, there will be a new champion at the 2024 Chan.

And it is now unpredictable Madagascar who stands on the North African giants’ way to a third title in the tournament involving local-based players.

The Atlas Lions trounced the Lions of Teranga 5-3 in a dramatic penalty shootout after a 1-1 draw both in regular and extra time.

Tarek Sektioui’s boys, who won back-to-back trophies in 2018 and 2020 return to Nairobi where they kicked off their campaign with Group A matches, to face Madagascar in the final at Kasarani Stadium on Saturday.

Ironically, both teams played with hosts Harambee Stars at the venue for the upcoming final. Ten-man Kenya beat the Atlas Lions 1-0 in the group stages.

Equally, Madagascar also had a taste of the city under sun when they stunned Harambee Stars 4-3 on penalties in quarter-finals.

The Barea secured their first ever Chan final after upsetting Sudan 1-0 in an early kick-off match in Dar es Salaam on Tuesday.

Though Atlas Lions coach Tarek Sektioui is banking on the crowd support his team received during the group stages in Nairobi, he has much respect for the Islanders who won bronze at the 2022 edition in Algeria on their debut.

The former Porto winger clearly knows the importance of Saturday’s final.

“Once again, this is going to be a very difficult game. But one quality is that we are modest and we respect every team. We are going to give Madagascar the respect they deserve. However, we must be ready mentally, physically and tactically to win the trophy,” Sektioui told Standard Sports.

“But it’s a big honour to reach this final and it’s a dream FOR all of us as we continue chasing history in this tournament. It’s now a tradition that in every competition, Morocco must fight for the first position.”

Morocco scored all their five penalties through Mohamed Hrimat, Oussama Lamlioui, Ayoub Khairi, Anas Bach and Youssef Mehri with Seyni Mbaye Ndiaye missing the first penalty for Senegal.

By his own admission, Sektioui said the youthful Senegalese side gave them a run for their money.

“It’s a very tough game against a very strong Senegal team with a lot of concentration and tactical discipline. They are an organised team who knows what to do both in defensive and offensive ways. But I’m very happy and proud of the results. We are going to enjoy the victory then quickly switch focus to the Madagascar match,” said Sektioui.

It was the West Africans who broke the deadlock in the 16th minute through Joseph Layousse’s free header before magical Sabir Bougrine cancelled it out with a worldie in the 23rd minute.