CHAN 2024: Morocco and Kenya Shine, Madagascar and Mauritania Battle to a Draw
The TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2024 kicked off with an exhilarating day of football, featuring impressive performances from Morocco and hosts Kenya, while Madagascar and Mauritania battled to a tense goalless draw.
Morocco 2 – 0 Angola: Atlas Lions Roar to Victory
Morocco began their quest for a third CHAN title with a commanding 2-0 victory over Angola at the Nyayo National Stadium. Imad Riahi opened the scoring in the 29th minute with a spectacular long-range strike, capitalizing on a precise through ball from Mohamed Hrimat. Riahi unleashed a powerful right-footed effort that beat Angolan goalkeeper Neblú, giving Morocco the lead.
The Atlas Lions dominated possession throughout the match, creating several chances to extend their advantage. Riahi, Anas Bach, and Marouane Louadni all tested Neblú with powerful shots, but the goalkeeper managed to keep Angola in the game. Despite their efforts, Angola struggled to find their rhythm, with Morocco’s defense, led by goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar, standing firm against any threats.
In the 81st minute, Morocco doubled their lead when substitute Youness El Kaabi broke free down the left and saw his shot parried by Neblú, only for Kinito to inadvertently deflect the ball into his own net under pressure. The result marked a strong start for Morocco, extending their unbeaten run in CHAN group stages and sending a clear statement of intent to the rest of the competition.
Kenya 1 – 0 DR Congo: Hosts Claim Historic Win
In a historic debut at the CHAN, Kenya secured a thrilling 1-0 victory over two-time champions DR Congo at the Moi International Sports Centre. Austin Odhiambo’s first-half strike proved decisive, lifting the spirits of the home crowd of 60,000 fans.
The match began nervously for Kenya, with DR Congo having a goal disallowed in the fifth minute due to an offside call following a VAR review. However, the hosts quickly settled into the game, displaying discipline and resilience. Just before halftime, Odhiambo latched onto a pass from David Sakwa in the 45+2 minute, guiding a well-placed left-footed shot into the bottom corner beyond goalkeeper Brudel Efonge.
The goal electrified the stadium and symbolized a significant moment for Kenyan football. In the second half, DR Congo pushed for an equalizer, dominating set-pieces and creating several chances, but Kenya’s defense held firm. Goalkeeper Byrne Omondi made a crucial save, tipping a powerful drive from Heltone Kayembe over the bar, while defenders Sylvester Owino and Alphonce Omija repelled a late barrage of corners.
Despite seven minutes of stoppage time testing their nerves, Kenya held on to register their first-ever CHAN victory, becoming only the third debutant nation to win their opening match in the tournament’s history.
Madagascar 0 – 0 Mauritania: Tense Battle Ends in Stalemate
In a tightly contested clash, Madagascar and Mauritania played out a goalless draw at the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium. Both teams hoped to start their Group B campaigns with a win, but neither could find the decisive touch in what became a battle of resilience.
Madagascar, led by coach Romuald Rakotondrabe and captain Andriamirado “Dax” Andrianarimanana, began the match brightly and tested the Mauritanian defense early. However, Dax’s evening was cut short in the 39th minute when he received a second yellow card, forcing Madagascar to play over 50 minutes with ten men.
Despite being a player down, Madagascar’s defense remained disciplined, with goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa making several crucial saves to keep the score level. Mauritania dominated possession after the red card and looked more likely to score, but their final delivery let them down. Moctar El Hacen came closest to breaking the deadlock with a curled effort in stoppage time that drifted just wide.
The result leaves both teams with a point and highlights the challenges ahead in a competitive Group B, where an early win would have provided vital momentum. Madagascar and Mauritania will need to regroup quickly as they aim to secure their places in the knockout stages.
