Guinea FA Denies Appeal Over 1976 AFCON Title, Clears Air On Morocco Victory

• Guinea FA Denies Appeal Over 1976 AFCON Title, Clears Air On Morocco Victory
  
• Federation says circulating reports are inaccurate and lack official backing
  
• Morocco’s 1976 title confirmed under round robin format rules

The Guinean Football Federation has dismissed reports alleging it filed an appeal to challenge Morocco’s victory at the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations.

The clarification followed widespread claims suggesting Guinea had asked the Confederation of African Football to award it the 1976 title, citing an alleged walkout by Morocco during the decisive fixture.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the speculation gained traction after separate reports indicated that CAF’s Appeals Board stripped Senegal of the 2025 AFCON title and awarded it to Morocco following a protest-related incident involving Senegalese players.

In a statement released on Sunday, the Guinean FA rejected the claims, describing them as inaccurate and without any official basis.

The statement read, “In recent days, information circulating on various media, particularly social networks, has falsely suggested that Guinea had taken steps to contest the result of the match between the Syli National and Morocco during this competition.

“The Guinean Football Federation wishes to clarify, in a spirit of responsibility and reconciliation, that this information is inaccurate and has no official basis.”

To set the record straight, the federation revisited events from the 1976 tournament.

Guinea faced Morocco on March 14, 1976, in Addis Ababa. Chérif Souleymane gave Guinea the lead in the 33rd minute before Ahmed Makrouh, known as Baba, equalised late to make it 1-1.

The result proved decisive under the competition’s format at the time, which used a final round-robin group rather than a single final match. Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt and Guinea advanced to the last stage, with the title decided by points.

Heading into the final round, only Morocco and Guinea remained in contention. Guinea needed a win, while Morocco required just a draw.

Makrouh’s equaliser ensured Morocco secured the necessary result, sealing their first AFCON title.

Meanwhile, CAF has updated its official records to list Morocco as the winners of the 2025 AFCON, with Senegal recorded as runners-up. The Senegalese Football Federation has since lodged an appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

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