Holders Senegal saw their reign at the TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) come to a painful end on Tuesday night, falling 5-3 on penalties to Morocco after a gripping 1-1 draw at the Nelson Mandela National Stadium in Kampala.
The West Africans, chasing back-to-back crowns, started brightly when Joseph Layousse powered in a header from Libasse Guèye’s corner in the 16th minute. But Morocco, drawing on their pedigree as two-time champions, equalised seven minutes later through a thunderous strike from Sabir Bougrine that shifted the momentum.
From there, the contest became a battle of wills. Senegal’s youthful side carved out chances, but Moroccan goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar produced vital stops to deny Layousse and Seyni Ndiaye. At the other end, Marc Diouf stood tall, frustrating Youssef Mehri and Oussama Lamlaoui to keep the holders alive.
Extra time brought frantic exchanges without reward — Lamlaoui went close with a header tipped over in the 119th minute, while Bonaventure Fonseca fired just over for Senegal in reply.
The drama was settled from the spot. Morocco displayed nerves of steel, burying all five penalties through Hrimat, Lamlaoui, Khairi, Bach, and Mehri. Senegal’s fate was sealed when captain Seyni Ndiaye struck the crossbar with their opening kick, a costly miss that left them chasing in vain.
Senegal’s Title Defence Ends in Penalty Heartbreak as Morocco March to CHAN Final
Morocco’s Tarik Sektioui praised his side’s composure: “Against the champions, we showed experience and belief. Now our eyes are on the trophy.”
The Atlas Lions advance to face Madagascar in Saturday’s final in Nairobi, seeking a record-equalling third CHAN title in six years. Senegal, meanwhile, are left to settle for the third-place playoff against Sudan — their dream of a dynasty halted by Moroccan ruthlessness.
