Oussama Lamlioui is beaming with pride after dedicating Morocco’s record third TotalEnergies African Nations Championship (CHAN) title to all the amazing supporters who stood by the team during the tournament in East Africa.
The RS Berkane striker really shone in Saturday’s exciting final in Kenya, scoring twice in a thrilling 3-2 win over Madagascar at Nairobi’s Moi International Sports Centre. His second goal was jaw-dropping—a powerful shot from 40 yards that left Madagascar’s goalkeeper, Toldo, stunned!
Thanks to his fantastic performance, Lamlioui earned the title of TotalEnergies Man of the Match, marking his second individual accolade of the tournament. Earlier, he also dazzled fans with a brace against DR Congo, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with a total of six goals!
A Heartfelt Thanks to Fans
With over 38 million Moroccans cheering on the Atlas Lions, Lamlioui couldn’t contain his gratitude for their unwavering support.
“I want to thank the Moroccan supporters so much,” he shared. “We asked them to trust us, and now we’ve shown that we were worthy of that trust.”
His spectacular second goal in the 80th minute not only thrilled fans but also left Madagascar’s coach, Tarik Sektioui, astonished. It ensured that Morocco lifted the trophy for the third time, adding to their previous victories in 2018 and 2020—what a fantastic achievement!
Key Contributions to Victory
Lamlioui got things rolling by scoring the first goal in the 44th minute, only for Madagascar to quickly equalize with a clever finish from Toky Rakotondraibe. With the game tied at 2-2 in the final moments, Lamlioui stepped up again, sending a perfect shot past Michel Lalain’arinjaka to secure Morocco’s thrilling win.
“I couldn’t have done this without my teammates,” Lamlioui emphasized. “We’ve made history by winning three CHAN titles together. This trophy is for His Majesty King Mohammed VI, too!”
Golden Boots and Big Dreams
Lamlioui’s goal-scoring talent clearly made a difference throughout the tournament. From his key contributions against DR Congo to his clutch goals in the final, he delivered when it mattered most. His five goals put him ahead of players like South Africa’s Thabiso Kutumela and Uganda’s Allan Okello, who both finished with three goals. And let’s not forget his cool demeanor in the semi-final, where he scored the winning penalty against Senegal!
Looking Ahead to AFCON
Now, with this CHAN success under their belts, Lamlioui’s impressive performances are generating excitement as Morocco prepares to host the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in December. Fans are hopeful that Lamlioui’s skills will earn him a well-deserved spot on the senior squad for this prestigious tournament.
For now, though, he and his teammates are basking in the glow of their victory, further solidifying Morocco’s status as CHAN specialists and showcasing the strength of their domestic football scene. What an incredible moment for Moroccan football!
