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| How Many Times Morocco Won AFCON |
Discover how many times Morocco won AFCON, the history behind their victory, key finals, and what the lone title in 1976 means for Moroccan football fans.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the pinnacle of international football competition in Africa, showcasing the best national teams on the continent. One question frequently asked by fans and football historians alike is: how many times Morocco won AFCON. In this detailed, user-first blog post, we explore Morocco’s history in the tournament—examining their triumphs, near-misses, historical context, and what their legacy means for African football today.
Morocco is widely regarded as one of Africa’s most technically gifted and tactically disciplined football nations. But when it comes to clinching the continent’s top prize—the Africa Cup of Nations—Morocco’s record has historically been modest compared to giants like Egypt and Cameroon. Still, the achievements of the Atlas Lions carry immense pride and reflect decades of competitive football. In this article, we will break down how many times Morocco won AFCON, explore their closest runs, and review their overall continental impact.
Morocco’s AFCON Title Count: The Short Answer
Morocco has won the Africa Cup of Nations once in their football history. Their sole triumph came in:
- 1976 Africa Cup of Nations – Champions
This victory remains the country’s only AFCON title as of the tournament history updated through 2025.
The Historic 1976 Triumph
Morocco’s crowning moment in African football came at the 1976 AFCON hosted by Ethiopia. The tournament format that year included a final round-robin group to determine the champion, rather than a one-match final.
In the decisive matches:
- Morocco topped the final group table.
- Their consistent performances against continental rivals secured them the championship.
The achievement was groundbreaking—Morocco became only the second North African nation to win the AFCON title, following Tunisia’s victory in 1965.
Morocco’s AFCON Final Appearances
Apart from their 1976 title, Morocco has reached the final match on two other occasions:
- 2004 AFCON Final – Runner-Up (lost to Tunisia)
- Most recent finals appearances: Morocco have been competitive but have not clinched the title since 1976.
These near-triumphs reflect how close Morocco has come on occasion to securing a second AFCON championship.
Overall AFCON Participation
Since their debut in the tournament in 1972, Morocco has become a regular participant in the Africa Cup of Nations:
- Appearances: Multiple tournaments since 1972
- All-Time Wins: One championship (1976)
- Total Finals Appearances: Three
- Goals and Matches: Over 90 goals scored in AFCON history
This consistency highlights Morocco’s longstanding presence and competitiveness in African football.
Comparing Morocco With AFCON’s Most Successful Nations
To understand Morocco’s title count in context, here’s a look at the continent’s most successful sides in AFCON history:
Top AFCON Winners
- Egypt – 7 titles (most in history)
- Cameroon – 5 titles
- Ghana – 4 titles
- Nigeria – 3 titles
- Ivory Coast – 3 titles
- Morocco – 1 title
Despite being a competitive force, Morocco’s single title places them behind Africa’s most decorated football nations—but their impact continues to be felt.
Memorable AFCON Moments for Morocco
Throughout their AFCON history, Morocco has delivered notable performances:
1976 Championship
As noted, Morocco topped the final group stage to win the tournament, edging strong teams and marking their only continental trophy to date.
2004 AFCON Final
Morocco reached the final but lost to Tunisia, narrowly missing out on a second title.
2025 AFCON Campaign
At the AFCON hosted in Morocco (2025), the Atlas Lions reached the later stages of the competition, aiming to end a 50-year title drought.
These moments have fueled national pride and motivated successive squads to strive for greater achievement.
Why Morocco’s AFCON Win Matters
Morocco’s 1976 victory holds a special place in African football for several reasons:
- It demonstrated early dominance by a North African nation.
- The victory helped establish Morocco’s footballing identity.
- It remains a benchmark and source of inspiration for players and fans alike.
Winning AFCON is a crowning achievement that resonates beyond sport—it symbolizes national excellence and continental achievement.
Challenges Morocco Faced After 1976
Despite their early success, Morocco encountered challenges in replicating AFCON glory:
- Competitive landscape: African football grew more competitive with emergence of strong sides like Nigeria, Ghana, and Cameroon.
- Tournament format changes: As AFCON expanded, the tournament structure became more demanding.
- Final stage hurdles: Morocco often reached knockout stages but fell short in finals or semi-finals.
These competitive hurdles illustrate how difficult it is to repeat as AFCON champions—even for talented squads.
Morocco’s Broader Football Success
While their AFCON title count is singular, Morocco’s achievements in football extend beyond a single trophy:
World Cup Performances
Morocco made global headlines with their 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final run, becoming the first African nation to reach that stage.
This landmark success enhanced the nation’s international football reputation.
Youth and Olympic Success
Moroccan youth teams continue to excel, including performances in under-23 tournaments and Olympic qualification events.
These accomplishments reflect Morocco’s deep talent pool and footballing infrastructure, even if additional AFCON titles have proved elusive.
Stay updated with the latest AFCON action and Morocco’s quest for another title by following official CAF coverage and expert football analysis.
Watch matches, read tactical breakdowns, and track standings to see whether Morocco can add to their historic AFCON win. Sources like the Confederation of African Football (CAF) provide live updates and records throughout the tournament.
Conclusion
So, how many times Morocco won AFCON?
Morocco has won the Africa Cup of Nations once, achieving their historic title in 1976.
While their title count may be modest compared to some African powerhouses, Morocco’s presence in the tournament has been consistent and impactful. Their journey through AFCON history showcases resilience, passion, and the constant pursuit of footballing excellence.
As AFCON continues to evolve, Morocco remains a team to watch—always a contender and a representative of North African football pride.
