‘Give us back our 1976 AFCON trophy!’ – Guinea challenges Morocco after CAF strips Senegal of 2025 title

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is under fresh pressure as the Guinea Football Federation demands a review of Morocco’s controversial 1976 AFCON triumph, citing Morocco’s brief walkout in the decisive match against Guinea.

The move comes in the wake of CAF’s unprecedented decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 AFCON title 58 days after the tournament, awarding hosts Morocco the championship despite Senegal winning on the pitch.

Guinea argues that similar disciplinary standards should apply retroactively. In 1976, the championship was decided under a four-team round-robin format. Morocco needed a draw to secure the title, while Guinea required a victory.

Chérif Souleymane put Guinea ahead in the 33rd minute, prompting Moroccan players to walk off briefly in protest over a refereeing decision. They returned to the field, and Ahmed Makrouh equalised in the 86th minute, leaving the match 1-1. Morocco topped the group with five points, and Guinea finished second.

“Give us back our 1976 AFCON trophy,” the Guinea Football Federation demanded, insisting that retroactive sanctions should apply when teams leave the pitch.

CAF’s ruling against Senegal has reignited scrutiny of historical matches, with sports legal analysts noting that regulations such as Article 84 were not in force in 1976 and are rarely applied retroactively.