Morocco set to defend their CHAN title on Sunday

 

It promises to be fight to the finish on Sunday when holders Morocco file out against Eagles of Mali to defend their title at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde

Morocco hammered hosts Cameroon 4-0 at the Limbe Stadium in a match some had predicted would be tough and produce perhaps just a goal for the winner because of the fighting spirit of both teams. It was however the Atlas Lions that survived in the battle of lions to book a place in the final where it will be battle between the Lions and the Eagles.

Soufiane Rahimi was the two-goal hero for title holders Morocco who produced one of their best displays of the tournament to beat the hosts nation Cameroon.

First half goals by Soufiane Bouftini and Rahimi put the North Africans in firm control of the match as they silenced the vociferous home fans.

Rahimi scored his second on the night and his tournament’s fifth before Mohammed Ali Bemammer wrapped up the emphatic victory for the title holders.

The Eagles of Mali sealed their place in the final after winning 5-4 in a penalty shootout to eliminate their neighbours Guinea at the tournament hosted by Cameroon.

The match between the arch rivals ended goalless after extra time and it was substitute Mamadou Coulibaly who decided the first semi-final tie at the Japoma Stadium in Douala on Wednesday with the final kick in the shootout.

The result ensured that Morocco will meet Mali in the final at the Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium in Yaounde on Sunday as they chase their second title in the competition.

The Eagles will be hunting for their first CHAN title having reached the final of the 2016 edition.

Guinea will play Cameroon in the third-place playoff at the Reunification Stadium in Douala on Saturday.