Morocco national team AFCON history complete guide
The Morocco national team has a rich history in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), which is the most prestigious international football tournament in Africa. In this article, we will take a comprehensive look at the team’s performance in the AFCON, including their achievements, notable moments, and statistics.
Early Years (1970-1980)
first participated in the AFCON in 1972, where they finished third. They also finished third in 1976 and 1980. During this period, the team was led by coach Rachid Ouakili, who is credited with laying the foundation for the team’s future success.
Golden Years (1986-1998)
Morocco’s golden years in the AFCON began in 1986, when they finished runners-up under coach Abdellah Blinda. They went on to win the tournament in 1988, defeating Nigeria 4-0 in the final. This was Morocco’s first AFCON title, and it marked the beginning of a successful period for the team.
Modern Era (2000-2020)
In the modern era, Morocco has continued to perform well in the AFCON. They finished third in 2004 and 2017, and have consistently qualified for the tournament. The team has been led by several coaches, including Frenchman Henri Michel and Moroccan coach Hervé Renard, who is credited with leading the team to their first AFCON title in 2018.
AFCON Title (2018)
In 2018, Morocco won their second AFCON title, defeating Egypt 4-3 in a penalty shootout after the match ended 1-1. This was a historic moment for the team, and it marked the first time they had won the tournament since 1988.
Notable Players
- Achraf Hakimi: A talented young defender who has become a key player for the team.
- Romain Saïss: A experienced defender who has played for several top clubs, including Wolverhampton Wanderers and Fenerbahçe.
- Ayoub El Kaabi: A prolific striker who has scored several goals for the team, including the winning goal in the 2018 AFCON final.
Statistics
- AFCON titles: 2 (1988, 2018)
- Runners-up: 1 (1986)
- Third place: 3 (1972, 1976, 2004, 2017)
- Participations: 19
Conclusion
Morocco’s national team has a rich history in the AFCON, with several notable achievements and moments. From their first title in 1988 to their second title in 2018, the team has consistently performed well in the tournament. With a talented squad and experienced coaches, Morocco is a team to watch in future AFCON tournaments.
