The Guinean Football Federation has denied reports suggesting it lodged an appeal to contest Morocco’s victory at the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The clarification comes amid widespread speculation that Guinea had urged the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to award it the 1976 title, citing an alleged walkout by Morocco during the decisive match.
The rumours gained momentum following separate claims that CAF’s Appeals Board had stripped Senegal of the 2025 AFCON title and awarded it to Morocco after a protest involving Senegalese players.
However, in a statement issued on Sunday, the Guinean FA firmly dismissed the reports, describing them as false and lacking any official backing.
“Recent information circulating across various media platforms, especially on social media, has wrongly suggested that Guinea initiated steps to challenge the outcome of its match against Morocco during the tournament,” the statement noted.
“The Guinean Football Federation wishes to state clearly, in the interest of responsibility and unity, that such claims are entirely unfounded and have no official basis.”
To set the record straight, the federation also revisited the events of the 1976 tournament.
Guinea took on Morocco on March 14, 1976, in Addis Ababa, with Zambian referee Nyirenda Chayu officiating. Chérif Souleymane gave Guinea the lead in the 33rd minute, but Ahmed Makrouh, popularly known as “Baba,” scored a late equaliser.
The 1-1 draw proved decisive, as the tournament was decided via a final round-robin group rather than a single final match. Morocco, Nigeria, Egypt, and Guinea progressed to the last stage, with the winner determined by points.
Going into the final round, only Morocco and Guinea were still in contention. While Guinea needed a win, Morocco required just a draw.
Makrouh’s late goal secured the crucial point Morocco needed, earning them their first AFCON title.
Meanwhile, CAF has since updated its official records to reflect Morocco as the winners of the 2025 AFCON, with Senegal listed as runners-up.
The Senegalese Football Federation has confirmed it has filed an urgent appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport in response to the decision.