Morocco beat defending champions, Senegal to advance to CHAN final

...Wins on penalties to pick CHAN 2024 final ticket 
...Now to face Madagascar on Saturday 
By Maxwell Kumoye with additional report by MWN 

   Morocco advanced to the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) final by defeating defending champion Senegal in a tense penalty shootout at Mandela National Stadium on Tuesday. 

The semifinal match ended 1-1 after extra time, with the Atlas Lions eventually prevailing 5-3 on penalties.

The match started with both teams showing caution. Senegal broke the deadlock in the 16th minute when Joseph Layousse headed home from Libasse Gueye’s corner kick.

Morocco responded quickly, equalizing in the 22nd minute through Sabir Bougrine. The midfielder’s right-footed shot from outside the box found the back of the net past Senegalese goalkeeper Marc Diouf.

The first half saw additional drama when Senegal’s Moussa Cisse received a yellow card in the 7th minute for a hard foul on Youssef Mehri. Both teams created chances, with Morocco’s Annas Bach forcing a good save from Diouf in the 40th minute.

The second half began with Senegal making a substitution, as Christian Gomis was replaced by Velho Cisse. Tension escalated when Morocco’s Marouane Louadni initially received a red card in the 53rd minute, but VAR intervention reduced the punishment to a yellow card.

Senegal nearly extended their lead in the 59th minute when Joseph Layousse’s left-footed shot from outside the box forced a good save from Moroccan goalkeeper Al Harrar. Morocco responded with pressure of their own, with Sabir Bougrine’s cross finding Youssef Mehri, whose header was saved by Diouf in the 66th minute.

As regular time ended at 1-1, the match progressed to extra time. Both teams made multiple substitutions to inject fresh energy. Morocco’s Oussama Lamlaoui had a shot deflected by Senegal’s defense in the 94th minute, while Youssef Belammari’s left-footed attempt in the 110th minute went wide.

With no further goals in extra time, the match proceeded to penalties, where Morocco emerged victorious with a 5-3 scoreline. The Atlas Lions will now face Madagascar in the final next Saturday.

This victory continues Morocco’s impressive run in the tournament under coach Tarik Sektioui, following wins against Tanzania (1-0), Democratic Republic of the Congo (3-1), and Zambia (3-1) in earlier rounds.

The final against Madagascar will give the Atlas Lions an opportunity to claim the CHAN title, adding another achievement to their growing football resume.

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