Guinea FA denies claims of appeal against Morocco’s 1976 AFCON triumph

The Guinean Football Federation (FGF) has dismissed reports suggesting it filed an appeal with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to challenge Morocco’s 1976 Africa Cup of Nations victory.

The clarification comes after viral claims alleged that Guinea sought to be awarded the 1976 title, citing a supposed walkout by Morocco during the decisive match of the tournament. The rumours gained traction following CAF’s recent Appeals Board ruling that stripped Senegal of the 2025 AFCON title and awarded it to Morocco.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the FGF described the circulating reports as “inaccurate” and lacking any official basis.

“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 statement read.

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

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The federation also provided historical context to debunk the claims. The decisive Guinea–Morocco clash took place on March 14, 1976, in Addis Ababa, officiated by Zambian referee Nyirenda Chayu.

Guinea took the lead in the 33rd minute through Chérif Souleymane, but Morocco equalised late in the game via Ahmed Makrouh, also known as Baba.

Unlike the current knockout format, the 1976 tournament featured a final round-robin group involving Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, and Guinea. Heading into the final match, Guinea needed a win to lift the trophy, while Morocco required only a draw.

Makrouh’s late equaliser ensured a 1–1 result, handing Morocco their first AFCON title—without controversy or protest, contrary to recent claims.

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