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The Guinean Football Federation (FGF) has refuted reports alleging it lodged an appeal with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to contest Morocco’s triumph at the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The clarification follows widespread claims suggesting Guinea had sought to be awarded the 1976 AFCON trophy, citing an alleged Moroccan walkout during the tournament’s decisive match.
The rumours gained traction after the CAF Appeals Board’s recent ruling to strip Senegal of the 2025 AFCON title and award it to Morocco.
CAF determined that Senegal breached Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations after several players left the pitch in protest against a refereeing decision. The verdict fuelled speculation and misinformation linking Guinea to past disputes.
In a statement released on Sunday, the FGF described the reports as “inaccurate” and “without 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,” it added.
The federation also outlined details of the 1976 AFCON final phase. The Guinea–Morocco encounter was played on 14 March 1976 in Addis Ababa, officiated by Zambian referee Nyirenda Chayu. Guinea took the lead in the 33rd minute through Chérif Souleymane, while Morocco equalised in the 86th minute via Ahmed Makrouh, known as “Baba.”
The competition format differed from today’s structure. Eight teams took part, divided into two groups of four. The top two from each group progressed to a final round contested in a round-robin format, with the side accumulating the most points crowned champions. Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt and Guinea advanced to this stage.
Heading into the final match, only Morocco and Guinea remained in contention for the title. Guinea required victory to lift the trophy, while Morocco needed only a draw. Makrouh’s late goal secured a 1–1 draw, earning Morocco their maiden AFCON title.
CAF has since officially updated its records to confirm Morocco as the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations champions, with Senegal listed as runners-up.
Meanwhile, the Senegalese Football Federation has submitted an urgent appeal against the CAF Appeals Board’s decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The Senegalese government has also called for an “independent international investigation” into alleged corruption within CAF in relation to the ruling.
