Oussama Lamlioui starred for the Atlas Lions, scoring twice to steer the North Africans past the Barea in an exhilarating five-goal showdown at Nairobi’s Moi International Stadium.
Heading into the final, the Southern African side hoped to upset the two-time African champions and claim the coveted title in only their second appearance.
Fired up by that ambition, they started the match strongly and took a deserved lead in the ninth minute, with Calvin Felicite Manohantsoa expertly set up by Mika Razafimahatana.
However, their advantage lasted just 18 minutes as the North Africans levelled the score through Youssef Mehri, assisted by Khalid Baba.
In a goal-filled first half, Lamlioui put Morocco ahead with a superb finish past goalkeeper Michel Ramandimbisoa.
Eight minutes after the hour, Toky Rakotondraibe gave Madagascar a glimmer of hope, capitalising on a defensive error to excite the Malagasy fans, with Manohantsoa providing the key assist.
Just when the game seemed destined for extra time, Lamlioui sealed the victory for Morocco with a stunning 40-yard strike that left goalkeeper Ramandimbisoa rooted to the spot.
Despite a late surge from Madagascar, they could not find an equaliser, but their second-place finish reflected an impressive tournament performance in a competition hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
While Morocco’s Mohamed Hrimat was named Player of the Tournament, his teammate Lamlioui claimed the Golden Boot after scoring six goals.
Elsewhere, Senegal’s goalkeeper Marc Diouf won the Golden Glove for his outstanding performances, while the Lions of Teranga took home the Fair Play Award.
