CAF under pressure as Guinea seeks review of Morocco’s 1976 AFCON win

The Guinea Football Federation has formally asked the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to reconsider the outcome of the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations. The request highlights Morocco’s walkout during that tournament and draws parallels with a recent CAF decision involving Senegal.

This appeal follows CAF’s controversial decision to overturn the result of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations match, where the Senegal national football team had walked off the pitch.

CAF later stripped Senegal of the 2025 title 58 days after the tournament and awarded the championship to hosts Morocco national football team.

Guinea said similar disciplinary standards should apply to historical matches.

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

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

Guinea led in the 33rd minute through Chérif Souleymane.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CAF has yet to respond to Guinea’s request.

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