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Morocco Clinches Third CHAN Title After Thrilling Victory Over Madagascar

Morocco Clinches Third CHAN Title After Thrilling Victory Over Madagascar

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Morocco’s locally-based national team has been crowned champions of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a dramatic 3–2 win over Madagascar in the final at Kasarani Stadium. The Atlas Lions, led by coach Tarik Sektioui, overcame an early setback and showcased their resilience to lift the trophy for a record third time.

The match began with Morocco on the front foot, nearly scoring in the second minute when tournament top scorer Oussama Lamlioui broke through but missed a golden opportunity. Madagascar responded swiftly, stunning the crowd in the seventh minute with a brilliant volley from Calvin Felicite that flew past goalkeeper Elmehdi Al Harrar.

Undeterred, Morocco intensified their attack, dominating possession and pressing high. Their efforts paid off in the 27th minute when Youssef Mehri headed in a well-placed cross from Khalid Baba off a quick free-kick. Just before halftime, Lamlioui made amends for his earlier miss, converting a precise delivery from Mohamed Boulcsout to give Morocco a 2–1 lead.

The second half saw Morocco continue to control the tempo, but Madagascar found a lifeline in the 68th minute. Felicite flicked on a long cross, setting up Toky Rakotondraibe for a composed finish to level the score. With the game hanging in the balance, Lamlioui produced a moment of magic in the 80th minute—spotting the goalkeeper off his line and launching a long-range strike from outside the box to seal the win.

Madagascar pushed hard in the closing stages, but Morocco held firm to secure the title in front of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The victory capped off a strong tournament for the Atlas Lions, who entered as favorites despite an early group-stage loss to Kenya. They bounced back with wins over Angola, Zambia, DR Congo, and a dramatic penalty shootout triumph against Senegal in the semifinals.

Morocco’s CHAN 2024 campaign included five wins, one loss, and one shootout victory. Their triumph earns them $3.5 million in prize money, while Madagascar, the runners-up, will receive $1.2 million. The third and fourth-placed teams will be awarded $700,000 and $600,000 respectively.

With this win, Morocco adds another chapter to their CHAN legacy, having previously lifted the trophy in 2018 and 2020.

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Football

ZIFA President Magwizi Reacts to Warriors’ Poor Performances with Major Technical Adjustments

ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi has broken his silence following Zimbabwe’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the Warriors’ recent performances and announcing sweeping changes to the team’s technical setup.

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ZIFA President Nqobile Magwizi has broken his silence following Zimbabwe’s disappointing exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, expressing deep dissatisfaction with the Warriors’ recent performances and announcing sweeping changes to the team’s technical setup.

In a candid address, Magwizi did not mince words about the national team’s failure to meet expectations. Zimbabwe suffered back-to-back 1–0 defeats to Rwanda and Benin, results that sealed their fate in Group C and ended their World Cup hopes. Earlier in the year, the Warriors had shown promise with a 1–1 draw against Nigeria and a 2–2 stalemate with Benin, but inconsistency and lack of finishing power ultimately proved costly.

“Recent results have not met the expectations of our nation, and we share in the pain and frustration of millions of Zimbabweans,” Magwizi told journalists, officials, and supporters. “Football in our country is more than a sport—it is a bond that unites us and a symbol of who we are.”

Rather than deflect blame, Magwizi took responsibility and pledged immediate action. He acknowledged that the Warriors’ performances had fallen short and that the time for cosmetic fixes was over. In response, he unveiled a bold restructuring of the technical team, aimed at restoring pride and competitiveness.

The most significant announcement was the appointment of former Warriors captain Kaitano Tembo as assistant coach to Michael Nees. Tembo, a respected figure in Zimbabwean football, brings a wealth of experience from his playing days at Dynamos and the national team, as well as a successful coaching career in South Africa with Supersport United and Sekhukhune United.

Tembo’s return was met with widespread approval, seen as a move that could inject discipline, tactical acumen, and leadership into a squad that has struggled for consistency.

Joining Tembo is Sharif Mussa, a revered football administrator with decades of experience in team management and technical coordination. Mussa takes on the role of team manager, tasked with professionalizing the Warriors’ operations and ensuring that logistical and structural support is aligned with high-performance standards.

Together, Tembo and Mussa represent a strategic blend of technical expertise and institutional memory—an effort to stabilize the team and prepare for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers.

Magwizi emphasized that these appointments were just the beginning. He acknowledged the urgency of the moment and pledged further steps to strengthen the Warriors, both on and off the pitch. His message to fans was clear: the administration hears their frustrations and is committed to turning things around.

“To our fans, we say: your passion is not taken for granted. We hear you. We respect you. We ask you to stand with us and with the Warriors. Division will not take us forward—unity, patience, and collective effort will,” Magwizi said.

He also highlighted progress in other areas, including youth development, refereeing standards, and international partnerships. Zimbabwe’s successful use of VAR in a U17 tournament and the certification of ten elite referees were cited as signs of growing credibility. The possibility of hosting another CAF tournament before year-end was presented as further evidence of restored trust in ZIFA’s leadership.

Magwizi closed his address with a defiant promise: “Zimbabwean football has risen before, and it will rise again. With unity, discipline, and belief, we shall restore the pride of our game.”

The challenge now lies in translating these bold moves into results on the pitch. For Zimbabwean fans, the hunger is not for speeches but for victories—moments that rekindle national pride and prove that the Warriors can once again be a force on the continental stage.

As the nation watches and waits, the spotlight turns to Tembo, Mussa, and Nees. The road to redemption begins now.

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Football

Billiat, Dube Return as Nees Names Warriors Squad for World Cup Qualifiers

Zimbabwe’s senior national football team coach, Michael Nees, has announced a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group C fixtures against South Africa and Lesotho, set to take place in October. The announcement, made on Tuesday, has seen the return of Khama Billiat and Prince Dube.

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Zimbabwe’s senior national football team coach, Michael Nees, has announced a 23-man squad for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifiers Group C fixtures against South Africa and Lesotho, set to take place in October. The announcement, made on Tuesday, has seen the return of Khama Billiat and Prince Dube.

The Warriors will travel to South Africa to face Bafana Bafana at the iconic Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban on 10 October. Three days later, they will conclude their qualifying campaign against Lesotho at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

The inclusion of Billiat and Dube could fire up the team’s attacking force. Billiat, once the poster boy of the Warriors and a standout performer in the South African Premier Soccer League, returns to the national setup after a lengthy absence due to injury. His creativity, experience, and flair are expected to inject much-needed dynamism into the midfield.

Prince Dube, who has been in fine form for his Tanzanian club, Young Africans, also makes a comeback after missing previous fixtures due to fitness concerns. Known for his pace and clinical finishing, Dube’s presence adds depth to Zimbabwe’s attacking options.

Coach Nees expressed confidence in the squad’s balance.

With the Warriors eliminated from the World Cup qualifiers last month, the two matches will serve as preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. With the Warriors eliminated from the World Cup qualifiers last month, the two matches will serve as preparation for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

Goalkeepers
Washington Arubi, Elvis Chipezeze, Martin Mapisa

Defenders
Teenage Hadebe, Jordan Zemura, Brendan Galloway, Munashe Garan’anga, Emmanuel Jalai, Divine Lunga, Godknows Murwira.

Midfielders
Marvelous Nakamba, Marshall Munetsi, Jonah Fabisch, Khama Billiat, Knowledge Musona, Tawanda Chirewa, Bill Antonio.

Strikers
Tawanda Maswanhise, Walter Musona, Thando Ngwenya, Prince Dube.

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Football

Arsenal Clinches 2-1 Victory Over Newcastle with Late Gabriel Header Amid VAR Rulings

Arsenal staged a comeback at St. James’ Park on September 28, 2025, defeating Newcastle United 2-1 after trailing from Nick Woltemade’s 35th-minute header.

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Arsenal staged a dramatic comeback at St. James’ Park on September 28, 2025, defeating Newcastle United 2-1 after trailing from Nick Woltemade’s 35th-minute header.

Mikel Merino equalized in the 84th minute, and Gabriel Magalhaes scored the winner in the 96th from a corner. VAR overturned an early Arsenal penalty and denied Newcastle a late spot-kick.

The win elevates Arsenal to second in the Premier League with 13 points from six matches.

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