CAF faces pressure as Guinea contests Morocco’s 1976 AFCON win

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The Guinea Football Federation has urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to review the 1976 AFCON outcome, citing Morocco’s walkout and a recent ruling against Senegal.

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The call follows CAF’s decision to overturn the 2025 AFCON result as a sanction on Senegal for a walkout, despite winning on the pitch.

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CAF stripped Senegal of the 2025 title 58 days after the tournament, declaring hosts Morocco as champions.

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Guinea said similar disciplinary standards should apply to historical matches.

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The federation referenced the decisive 1976 clash between Morocco and Guinea, played under a four-team round-robin format.

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Morocco needed a draw, while Guinea required victory to win the title.

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Guinea led in the 33rd minute through Chérif Souleymane.

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Moroccan players briefly walked off in protest over a refereeing decision but later returned to continue the match.

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Ahmed Makrouh equalised in the 86th minute, ending the game 1-1.

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Morocco topped the group with five points to win the title, while Guinea finished second.

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Guinea argued the incident should be reassessed using principles applied in the 2025 ruling.

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The federation stated, “Give us back our 1976 AFCON trophy.”

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It added that retroactive sanctions should apply where teams left the pitch during play.

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The CAF ruling awarding Morocco a 3-0 win after Senegal’s walkout has renewed scrutiny of past matches.

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Sports legal analysts noted CAF regulations, including Article 84, were not in force in 1976 and are rarely applied retroactively.

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CAF has yet to respond to Guinea’s request.

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Observers say the appeal could test CAF’s willingness to revisit historical decisions. (NAN)

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