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| When Last Morocco Won AFCON |
When last Morocco won AFCON? Discover Morocco’s 1976 AFCON triumph, full history, key players, and why they haven’t won again.
If you’re searching when last Morocco won AFCON, you want a clear, factual answer—plus context. Morocco is one of Africa’s most respected football nations, yet its Africa Cup of Nations success story is surprisingly short on trophies. This article delivers the exact year Morocco last won AFCON, explains how it happened, why it hasn’t happened again, and what the future realistically looks like for the Atlas Lions.
When Last Morocco Won AFCON
Morocco last won the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 1976.
That single sentence answers the query directly—but the story behind it is far more interesting, and it explains a lot about African football politics, tactics, and evolution over the last five decades.
Morocco’s AFCON Title: The 1976 Tournament Explained
AFCON 1976: A Different Format, A Historic Win
Morocco won AFCON in 1976, hosted by Ethiopia, under a unique tournament format. Unlike today’s knockout finals, the competition ended with a final group stage instead of a single final match.
Morocco finished top of the final group, ahead of Guinea, Nigeria, and Egypt—making them champions by points.
According to records archived by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and historical match data referenced by trusted football platforms like FIFA’s official archives, the 1976 Morocco squad went unbeaten in the decisive stage.
How Morocco Won AFCON 1976
Key Results That Secured the Title
In the final group stage, Morocco delivered when it mattered most:
- Morocco 2–1 Nigeria – Decisive comeback win
- Morocco 0–0 Egypt – Tactical discipline on display
- Morocco 1–1 Guinea – Title-clinching result
That draw against Guinea sealed Morocco’s place at the top of the table and confirmed them as African champions.
Star Players Behind Morocco’s 1976 AFCON Win
Morocco’s triumph was built on structure, discipline, and experience rather than flair alone.
Notable Figures
- Ahmed Faras – Captain and tournament talisman
- Mohamed Timoumi – Midfield intelligence and balance
- Abdelmajid Dolmy – Defensive solidity
Ahmed Faras remains one of Morocco’s most celebrated football icons and later won African Footballer of the Year, cementing the legacy of that golden generation.
Why Morocco Has Only One AFCON Title
This is the real question fans ask after learning when last Morocco won AFCON.
1. Strong Teams, Weak Finishing
Morocco has consistently qualified for AFCON and often reached the knockout stages. The issue hasn’t been talent—it’s been conversion at the final hurdle.
2. AFCON’s Unpredictability
AFCON is historically volatile. Powerhouses like Nigeria, Cameroon, Egypt, and Ivory Coast dominate in cycles, leaving little margin for error.
3. Coaching Instability (Past Decades)
For years, Morocco struggled with long-term coaching continuity—something modern African football now demands.
Morocco’s Best AFCON Performances Since 1976
Although Morocco hasn’t lifted the trophy again, they’ve had near-misses.
AFCON 2004 – Runners-Up
- Lost final to Tunisia
- One of Morocco’s strongest tournament runs
- Featured players like Youssef Hadji and Marouane Chamakh
AFCON 2022 – Quarter-Finals
- Solid defensive performances
- Eliminated by Egypt
- Tactical discipline praised across African sports media, including reputable outlets like BBC Sport Africa
Morocco at AFCON 2023 (Played in 2024)
Fresh off their historic 2022 FIFA World Cup semi-final run, expectations were sky-high.
What Happened?
- Morocco entered as favorites
- Shock elimination in the Round of 16
- Loss to South Africa stunned fans
This reinforced a painful pattern: World-class on paper, inconsistent at AFCON.
Morocco’s World Cup Success vs AFCON Struggles
This contrast confuses many fans asking when last Morocco won AFCON.
World Cup Achievements
- First African team to reach World Cup semi-finals (2022)
- Tactical maturity, elite players, strong mentality
AFCON Reality
- Different refereeing style
- Heavier physical play
- Short recovery times
AFCON demands adaptability—not just quality.
Has Morocco Improved Since 1976?
Yes—by almost every measurable standard.
Modern Strengths
- European-based squad depth
- Elite defenders like Achraf Hakimi
- Improved football infrastructure
- Strong domestic league development
CAF technical reports and FIFA development assessments consistently rank Morocco among Africa’s top three most organized football systems.
Can Morocco Win AFCON Again?
Short answer: Yes—but nothing is guaranteed.
Why Morocco Has a Real Chance
- Stable coaching structure
- Players competing at elite European levels
- Tactical flexibility
What Must Change
- Better game management in knockout matches
- Psychological resilience under AFCON pressure
- Squad rotation to handle fatigue
If Morocco aligns preparation with AFCON-specific realities, another title is achievable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When last Morocco won AFCON?
Morocco last won AFCON in 1976.
How many AFCON titles does Morocco have?
Morocco has one AFCON title.
Has Morocco ever hosted AFCON?
Morocco has hosted qualifiers and youth tournaments but has withdrawn from hosting AFCON finals in the past due to health and logistical concerns.
Who is Morocco’s greatest AFCON player?
Ahmed Faras remains the most iconic figure linked to Morocco’s only AFCON triumph.
Why This Question Keeps Trending
Searches for when last Morocco won AFCON spike whenever:
- AFCON tournaments begin
- Morocco performs well internationally
- Comparisons arise with Egypt, Nigeria, or Cameroon
It reflects curiosity—and frustration—about unfulfilled potential.
Want more African football history? Explore our detailed breakdown of AFCON winners by year and how dominance shifts across generations.
Final Verdict: The Truth About Morocco and AFCON
So, when last Morocco won AFCON?
1976. One title. Nearly 50 years ago.
Yet that statistic doesn’t tell the whole story. Morocco today is stronger, more professional, and more globally respected than ever before. The challenge now is turning progress into silverware.
When Morocco finally lifts AFCON again, it won’t be luck—it will be the completion of a long, overdue journey.
Final
Next step: Follow upcoming AFCON qualifiers closely and track Morocco’s squad evolution—you may be watching the build-up to their second AFCON title.
