The curtains fell on the CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 in Nairobi with Morocco lifting their record third title.

The tournament will be remembered just as much for the standout performances of its stars as for the Atlas Lions’ triumph.

Leading the charge was Morocco’s Oussama Lamlioui, whose clinical finishing made the difference on multiple occasions.

The RS Berkane forward struck a decisive brace in the 3-2 final victory over Madagascar, securing the Golden Boot with six goals.

Having already netted against Zambia, DR Congo, and Tanzania in the group stage, and held his nerve in the semi-final penalty shootout against Senegal, Lamlioui proved himself Morocco’s ultimate match-winner.

Lamlioui’s Golden Boot continues a proud Moroccan tradition. He follows in the footsteps of Soufiane Rahimi (2020) and Ayoub El Kaabi (2018), making Morocco the producer of three of the last four CHAN top scorers. His blend of movement, composure, and eye for goal has also reignited calls for his promotion to Morocco’s senior squad.

Another Moroccan who carved a niche in the competition was Rabie Mohammed Hrimat, named Player of the Tournament.

The midfielder’s ability to score in crucial matches set him apart, particularly in the group stage where his goals against Zambia and DR Congo kept Morocco in contention. His vision and leadership in midfield provided the perfect platform for Lamlioui to thrive.

Senegal, the defending champions, may have fallen short of retaining their crown, but they did not leave empty-handed. Goalkeeper Marc Diouf was deservedly crowned Best Goalkeeper of the Tournament after a series of commanding displays.

His reflex saves and assured handling were central to Senegal’s progression from a tough group, where they edged Nigeria in a hard-fought opener. Diouf’s consistency offered Senegal resilience even as their title defense faltered in the knockout stages.

For Madagascar, CHAN 2024 marked heartbreak at the final hurdle, but also hope. The Barea’s inspirational run was spearheaded by Toky Rakotondraibe, who scored a spectacular equalizer in the final with a deft toe-poked finish. His creativity and determination embodied Madagascar’s fairytale charge to their first-ever CHAN final, making him one of the revelations of the tournament.

The Fair Play Award fittingly went to Senegal, whose discipline and sportsmanship earned plaudits despite losing their crown.