• Morocco 2-0 Mali
Morocco has set the record as the first nation to defend the African Nations Championship (CHAN) title in the history of the tournament since it’s inauguration in 2009.
The Atlas Lions emerged winners of the 6th edition after defeating Mali 2-0 in the final played on Sunday night at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Cameroon.
Two second half goals from towering defender Soufiane Bouftini and skipper Ayoub El Kaabi ensured Morocco successfully defended the championship they last won in 2018.
The eventual winners’ journey to championship started from group stages. They defeated Togo (1-0), drew goalless with Rwanda before obliteratng Uganda (5-2) to top group C with seven points and advance to the quarter-finals.
In the quarterfinal, the North African giants saw off Zambia with a 3-1 victory before dispatching hosts Cameroon (4-0) at the semifinal stage.
On the other side, Mali who ended the game with a man less after right back Issa Samake was sent off in stoppage time only conceded three goals the entire championship.
DR Congo is the second nation to have won two CHAN titles (2009 and 2016) while Tunisia (2011) and Libya (2014) have one title each.
Team Lineups
Mali
Djigui Diarra (GK) (C), Siaka Bagayoko Chato, Bangaly Sanogo, Yacouba Doumbia, Issiaka Samaké, Moussa Kyabou, Sadio Kanouté, Demba Diallo, Makan Samabaly, Moussa Ballo, Moussa Koné Koffi
Morocco
Anas Zniti (GK), Omar Namsaoui, Soufiane Bouftini, Abdelmounaim Boutouil, Hamza El Moussaoui, Yahya Jabrane, Mohamed Bemammer, Abdelilah Hafidi, Soufiane Rahimi, Noah Wail Sadaoui, Ayoub El Kaabi (C)
