Morocco’s Oussama Lamlioui has etched his name in the annals of African football history by not only leading his team to a magnificent third title in the 2024 TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) but also earning the coveted title of top scorer for the tournament.
His exceptional performance culminated in a decisive brace during the final against Madagascar, scoring in the 44th and 80th minutes to ensure victory for the Atlas Lions.
With these two goals, Lamlioui finished the tournament with a total of four goals, outperforming his closest competitors, Thabiso Kutumela of South Africa, Allan Okello from Uganda, and Algeria’s Soufiane Bayazid, each of whom netted three goals.
This remarkable feat not only secured Lamlioui’s position as the tournament’s top scorer but also underscored his invaluable contribution to Morocco’s success under coach Tarik Sektioui.
The 29-year-old forward displayed his goal-scoring prowess throughout the tournament, having scored crucial goals in the group stages against Zambia, the DR Congo, and Tanzania. His commanding presence in the penalty shootout against Senegal was equally impressive, demonstrating his ability to deliver under pressure and helping Morocco advance to the finals.
Transitioning from success in CHAN, Lamlioui has also made waves in club football, showcasing his talent in the CAF Confederations Cup. He netted six goals in ten matches for RS Berkane, playing a pivotal role in the club’s third title triumph. His performance included a key strike in the first leg against Simba SC, solidifying his status as the team’s top scorer.
Lamlioui’s achievements continue a rich legacy of excellence among Moroccan players in CHAN history. He follows in the footsteps of notable stars such as Soufiane Rahimi and Ayoub El Kaabi—both of whom have made significant impacts in previous tournaments.
With a record of ten goals in 21 appearances for Renaissance Sportive de Berkane in the Botola Pro Championship, Lamlioui’s forms suggest a promising future in the senior men’s national team.
With this remarkable array of skills and a track record of success, Oussama Lamlioui is set to leave an indelible mark on Moroccan football as he aims for even greater heights in the international arena.
