Morocco Edges Senegal in Thrilling CHAN Semifinal

Morocco Edges Senegal in Thrilling CHAN Semifinal to Reach Final Mandela National Stadium, Kampala - Morocco booked their place in the final of the African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a dramatic 5-3 penalty shootout victory over defending champions Senegal.

The match, a tense and evenly-matched affair, ended 1-1 after extra time, with Morocco's flawless performance from the spot proving to be the difference. Senegal, the title holders, started strongly and took the lead in the 16th minute. A pinpoint corner from Libasse Gueye found the head of Joseph Layousse, who powered his effort into the net to give the Lions of Teranga an early advantage. However, Morocco, the two-time champions, responded quickly. Just six minutes later, Sabir Bougrine unleashed a stunning long-range strike from outside the box that sailed past the Senegalese goalkeeper, Marc Diouf, and leveled the score. The second half was a tight, tactical battle with both teams creating chances but failing to find a breakthrough. Morocco's goalkeeper El Mehdi Al Harrar made several crucial saves to deny Senegal, while Diouf was equally impressive at the other end. With the score still deadlocked after 90 minutes, the match went into extra time. Both sides showed signs of fatigue but continued to push for a winning goal. Morocco came closest when a header from Oussama Lamlaoui was tipped over the bar by Diouf, while Senegal's Bonaventure Fonseca fired just over. Ultimately, the match was decided from the penalty spot. Morocco showcased remarkable composure, converting all five of their penalties through their five takers: Hrimat, Lamlaoui, Khairi, Bach, and Youssef Mehri. Senegal, under immense pressure, faltered when their captain Seyni Ndiaye hit the crossbar with his team's first attempt. Despite a valiant effort from the remaining Senegalese takers, the early miss proved to be too much to overcome. The 5-3 shootout victory sends Morocco to their third CHAN final in the past six years, where they will face tournament debutants Madagascar.