Morocco’s Oussama Lamlioui has been crowned the Puma Top Scorer of the TotalEnergies CAF African Nations Championship (CHAN) PAMOJA 2024 after scoring his fifth and sixth goals of the tournament in the Atlas Lions’ 3-2 victory over Madagascar in Saturday’s final.
The striker’s decisive brace – in the 44th and 80th minutes – not only secured Morocco’s third CHAN title but also set him apart in the Puma Top Scorer race.
He finished ahead of South Africa’s Thabiso Kutumela, Uganda’s Allan Okello, and Algeria’s Soufiane Bayazid, who each scored three goals.
Consistency key to Morocco’s triumph
Lamlioui’s performances were central to Morocco’s campaign under coach Tarik Sektioui.
He had already struck in the group stage against Zambia, the DR Congo and hosts Tanzania, before converting in the penalty shootout against Senegal in the semi-final.
His ability to score in crucial moments provided the attacking spark that carried Morocco to another continental crown.
In total, the 29-year-old recorded five goals and one assist in four tournament matches, underlining his clinical edge in front of goal.
His Golden Boot award also highlights his maturity as a player, reflecting years of experience with RS Berkane in the Moroccan Botola Pro and in continental competition.
Succeeding Mahious, following Moroccan tradition
Lamlioui succeeds Algeria’s Aymen Mahious, who finished as CHAN 2022’s top scorer with five goals but could not retain his crown in this year’s edition.
In doing so, Lamlioui continues Morocco’s proud tradition of Golden Boot winners at CHAN.
In 2020, Soufiane Rahimi fired five goals to win both the top scorer and best player awards, inspiring Morocco to the title.
Two years earlier, Ayoub El Kaabi had set a tournament record with eight goals at CHAN 2018.
With Lamlioui now joining that elite company, Morocco have produced three of the last four CHAN Golden Boot winners, cementing their dominance in the competition’s modern era.
Impact beyond CHAN: club success with Berkane
Lamlioui’s scoring prowess has not been limited to the national team. At club level, he was instrumental in RS Berkane’s run to a third CAF Confederation Cup title, scoring six goals in 10 matches.
His goal in the first leg against Simba SC in the semi-finals proved crucial to the club’s success.
Domestically, he has also been consistent, netting 10 times in 21 Botola Pro matches this season, helping Berkane secure a domestic double.
His strong performances for both club and country are increasing calls for him to be given a chance in Morocco’s senior national team.
Morocco’s attacking reference point
Lamlioui’s style combines sharp movement in the box, intelligent positioning and composure under pressure. His goals often arrive at key moments, such as his leveller against DR Congo or his clinical strike that broke the deadlock in the final against Madagascar.
Coach Sektioui praised his forward after the final: “Oussama is a player who knows how to read the game and handle decisive moments. That’s what makes him special.”
His effectiveness as the focal point of Morocco’s quick-transition style made him the tournament’s most feared attacker and gave the Atlas Lions an edge that few teams could match.
Looking ahead: from CHAN hero to national team hopeful
Lamlioui’s Golden Boot award not only marks personal glory but also enhances his case for a place in Morocco’s senior squad.
With predecessors like Rahimi and El Kaabi making successful transitions from CHAN stars to full internationals, the pathway is clear.
As Morocco continue to build depth ahead of future Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers, Lamlioui’s form could not have come at a better time.
His ability to deliver on the continental stage suggests his story with the Atlas Lions is far from complete.
Oussama Lamlioui leaves CHAN PAMOJA 2024 not just as Morocco’s match-winner in the final, but as the tournament’s Golden Boot winner – the latest in a line of Moroccan forwards to etch their names into the competition’s history.
