Guinea seeks review of 1976 AFCON title after CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of title

The Guinea Football Federation has called on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to revisit the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) outcome, pointing to Morocco’s temporary walkout during the tournament and the recent overturning of Senegal’s 2025 title.

CAF’s decision to strip Senegal of the 2025 AFCON crown came 58 days after the tournament concluded, awarding hosts Morocco the championship despite Senegal winning on the pitch.

Guinea argues that similar disciplinary principles should be applied retrospectively to historical tournaments.

The federation highlighted the decisive 1976 match between Morocco and Guinea, contested in a four-team round-robin format.

Morocco needed only a draw to claim the title, while Guinea required a win. Chérif Souleymane put Guinea ahead in the 33rd minute, prompting Moroccan players to briefly leave the field in protest over a refereeing call.

Play resumed, and Ahmed Makrouh equalised in the 86th minute, leaving the score 1–1. Morocco ultimately topped the group with five points, securing the championship, with Guinea finishing second.

Guinea’s appeal argues that the incident should be reviewed under the same principles applied in the 2025 ruling, demanding: “Give us back our 1976 AFCON trophy.”

The federation also urged CAF to apply retroactive sanctions in cases where teams abandon the pitch mid-match.

The 2025 ruling, which awarded Morocco a 3–0 victory following Senegal’s walkout, has renewed interest in historical match outcomes.

Legal analysts caution that CAF regulations such as Article 84 were not in force in 1976 and are seldom applied retroactively.

CAF has not yet issued a response, and observers suggest Guinea’s request could test the federation’s willingness to revisit past decisions.