CHAN 2025: Morocco, Madagascar Book Semi-Final Spots

Two nations have officially sealed their places in the semi-final of the ongoing African Nations Championship (CHAN) 2025—Morocco and Madagascar.

At the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium on Friday, defending champions Morocco edged past Tanzania with a narrow 1-0 victory, courtesy of Oussama Lamlioui’s decisive strike.

Over in Nairobi, it was a dramatic affair as Madagascar overcame Kenya 4-3 on penalties after a tense 1-1 draw at the Moi International Sports Centre.

With their victories, Morocco and Madagascar become the first two nations to secure their spots in the last four. The remaining semi-final slots will be decided on Saturday when Uganda takes on Senegal, and Sudan faces Algeria.

Opinion

The qualification of Morocco is not entirely surprising—they are a powerhouse in African football, with a proven track record of consistency and discipline. What’s refreshing, however, is the rise of Madagascar. The island nation continues to prove that they are no longer pushovers on the continental stage. Their penalty shootout win against Kenya reflects not just resilience, but also the growing football culture beyond the traditional big names of African football.

For fans, this mix of predictability (Morocco’s dominance) and surprise (Madagascar’s grit) is what makes CHAN truly exciting. It reminds us that African football is evolving, and smaller nations are stepping up with courage, skill, and ambition.

As the tournament heats up, all eyes will be on the remaining quarter-finals. Will the heavyweights like Senegal and Algeria assert their dominance, or will we witness another upset to match Madagascar’s fairytale? Either way, the semi-final lineup promises a feast of passion, drama, and unforgettable football moments.