The Japan Times - Morocco seek record third CHAN title against Madagascar

The month-long championship, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, saw all three hosts fail to advance past the quarter-finals in the 19-team competition.

But the tournament, in which only players who have never competed for international clubs can participate, has been a bigger success than many expected.

Major delays in stadium constructions had forced organisers to postpone it for several months from its original dates in February, and the Confederation of Africa Football (CAF) gave the green light only weeks before it began.

But once underway, the precursor to the 2027 African Cup of Nations has run smoothly and seen a huge spectator turn-out.

Kenya, the host of Saturday's final, was even fined by CAF for allowing crowds to breach capacity during the home team's matches at Kasarani stadium.

Morocco's Atlas Lions won in 2018 and 2020, and have made it through to the latest final after surviving a dramatic semi-final penalty shootout against defending champions Senegal.

They now face Madagascar, playing in its first-ever Confederation of African Football (CAF) final.

Morocco's shock defeat to Kenya in the group stage was a wake-up call.

Despite travelling more than any team in the championship -- shuttling between all three host nations -- Morocco managed to score 14 goals, and had the most shots on target.

"Our goal is always to win this trophy," coach Tarik Sektioui, a former international winger, told reporters ahead of the semi-final.

Forward Oussama Lamlioui has been a potent threat, scoring four goals to lead the Golden Boot race.

- Very proud -

Madagascar finished third after debuting in the 2022 tournament, but will be without their two-goal hero Fenohasina Gilles Razafimaro,suspended after receiving a red card during the semi-final match against Sudan in Dar es Salaam.

Razafimaro's striking partnership with Toky Rakotongraibe, supported by midfielder Lalaina Rafanomezantsoa, has been integral to the team's success.

It is unclear whether Andy Rakotondrajoa will play, after the attacking midfielder suffered a knock and was taken off during the semi-final.

Madagascar's veteran goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa has been one of the tournament's stars, with 25 saves and three clean sheets.

Ramandimbisoa, 39, was twice voted man of the match for his heroics -- against the Central African Republic in the group stage and Kenya in the quarter-final, where he made two crucial saves.

"We are very proud to have him with us," said coach Romuald Rakotondrabe.

"He has really helped us in every match and we hope he can go into the next game with the same spirit."

K.Okada--JT