Morocco sealed their place in the knockout round of the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN) after a commanding 3-1 victory over DR Congo at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Sunday, 17th August 2025.

The Atlas Lions, who finished second in Group A with 9 points, will be joined by co-hosts Kenya, who topped the group with 10 points following a narrow 1-0 win over Zambia at the Moi International Sports Centre.

In the day’s opening fixture, Oussama Lamlioui was the star for Morocco, netting a brace, while Mohamed Hrimat converted from the penalty spot. DR Congo’s Japhte Kitambala had briefly restored parity with a first-half equalizer, but Morocco proved too strong in the second half. Lamlioui almost completed a hat-trick, only to see his third goal ruled out for offside in the 85th minute.

Later in the evening, the home crowd celebrated as Ryan Ogam struck in the 75th minute to give Kenya a vital win over Zambia, securing their place at the summit of Group A.

The action now shifts to Group C on Monday, 18th August 2025, where Uganda face South Africa at the Mandela National Stadium in Namboole, while Algeria take on Niger at the Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.

This year’s edition of CHAN, which showcases players who ply their trade in domestic leagues across Africa, is being co-hosted for the first time by Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Zanzibar. Originally scheduled for 2024, the tournament was pushed to 2025, marking its 8th edition and serving as a prelude to the AFCON 2027, also set to be staged in East Africa.