The Group A showdown airs LIVE on beIN SPORTS.

Morocco Aim to Make History in CHAN 2024

Morocco begin their campaign for a historic third title at the African Nations Championship (CHAN) with a high-stakes Group A opener against Angola at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi. Having previously won the tournament in 2018 and 2020, the Atlas Lions enter the competition as clear favorites.

Head coach Tarik Sektioui stressed the importance of starting strong: “It’s crucial to win our first match to build confidence,” he told the press. Team captain Mohamed Rabie Hrimat echoed that ambition, saying, “We understand our responsibility. Our goal is to advance and win the trophy.”

With an unbeaten streak of 13 matches at CHAN (11 wins and 2 draws), Morocco boast one of the tournament’s best track records. Despite losing 11 players to transfers and two to injury, Sektioui believes in the squad’s tactical maturity and praised the late additions of veteran players for their smooth integration.

Angola Ready to Challenge the Favorites

Angola, meanwhile, arrive in Nairobi as serious challengers. Under the leadership of coach Pedro Gonçalves, the Palancas Negras have achieved notable milestones, including their best-ever AFCON performance and a COSAFA Cup title. “We’re not looking beyond Morocco. They want to win — but so do we,” said Gonçalves.

Their CHAN preparation was disrupted when five players moved abroad, disqualifying them under tournament rules. Still, Gonçalves sees this as a positive sign: “Angolan players are being valued more. It reflects our growth.”

This will be the first CHAN meeting between Morocco and Angola, though the North Africans have proven dominance against Southern African sides. In contrast, Angola have yet to win an opening match in four previous appearances.

The game will be broadcast LIVE on beIN SPORTS as part of a tournament co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania — the first CHAN held across three nations. Fans across Africa will watch closely to see whether the seasoned Morocco can maintain their dominance, or if Angola will deliver an upset and shift the power balance in Group A.