The Guinean Football Federation has rejected reports alleging it lodged an appeal with the Confederation of African Football to challenge Morocco’s 1976 Africa Cup of Nations victory.
The clarification comes after viral claims suggested Guinea had requested that the 1976 AFCON trophy be handed to it, citing an alleged walkout by Morocco during the tournament’s final match.
The rumours gained traction following reports that CAF’s Appeals Board stripped Senegal of the 2025 AFCON title and awarded it to Morocco.
The decision reportedly found Senegal in breach of Articles 82 and 84 of the AFCON regulations after some players left the pitch in protest of a referee’s decision, sparking speculation in certain quarters linking Guinea to past tournaments.
Responding in a statement issued 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 shed light on the circumstances surrounding the 1976 AFCON final round.
The Guinea-Morocco match took place on March 14, 1976, in Addis Ababa, officiated by Zambian referee Nyirenda Chayu.
Guinea went ahead in the 33rd minute through Chérif Souleymane, while Morocco equalised in the 86th minute via Ahmed Makrouh, also known as “Baba.”
The competition format at the time differed from today’s structure.
Eight teams competed, divided into two groups of four.
The top two teams from each group advanced to a final round played in a round-robin format, with the team accumulating the highest points emerging as champions. Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, and Guinea reached the final round.
Heading into the last game, only Morocco and Guinea were still in contention for the title.
Guinea needed a victory to win the tournament, while Morocco required only a draw. Makrouh’s late equaliser ensured a 1-1 draw, securing Morocco’s first AFCON title.
Meanwhile, it was earlier reported that CAF has updated its records to officially recognise Morocco as the winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with Senegal listed as runners-up.
The Senegalese Football Federation has also confirmed that it filed an urgent appeal against the CAF Appeals Board’s decision at the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
