Morocco National Team AFCON History Explained for Beginners
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is one of the most prestigious tournaments in African football, and Morocco has a rich history in the competition. In this article, we will delve into the history of the Moroccan national team at AFCON, covering their early years, notable achievements, and some of the most iconic moments in their journey.
Early Years (1957-1970)
Morocco first participated in the AFCON in 1957, when the tournament was still in its infancy. The team’s early years were marked by inconsistent performances, with their first victory coming in 1961 against Ghana. However, they failed to make a lasting impact, and it wasn’t until the 1970s that they began to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with.
1957: Morocco‘s first AFCON appearance, where they finished third in their group.
- 1961: Morocco’s first AFCON victory, against Ghana.
- 1963: Morocco’s first AFCON semifinal appearance, where they lost to Ghana.
Golden Years (1970-1985)
The 1970s marked a significant turning point in Moroccan football, as the team began to produce talented players and develop a more competitive squad. In 1976, Morocco reached the AFCON final, where they lost to Ghana. This achievement marked a new era for the team, and they continued to push for success throughout the 1980s.
- 1976: Morocco’s first AFCON final appearance, where they lost to Ghana.
- 1980: Morocco’s second AFCON semifinal appearance, where they lost to Ghana.
- 1984: Morocco’s third AFCON semifinal appearance, where they lost to Nigeria.
Modern Era (1990-2010)
In the 1990s, Morocco continued to produce talented players, including the likes of Mustapha Hadji and Salaheddine Bassir. However, the team struggled to replicate their early success, and it wasn’t until the 2000s that they began to show signs of improvement.
- 1998: Morocco’s first AFCON quarterfinal appearance in over 20 years.
- 2004: Morocco’s first AFCON semifinal appearance in over 20 years.
- 2006: Morocco’s first AFCON third-place finish.
Recent Years (2010-Present)
Under the guidance of coach Hervé Renard, Morocco experienced a resurgence in the 2010s, reaching the AFCON final in 2019. Although they lost to Senegal, this achievement marked a significant milestone in the team’s history.
- 2012: Morocco’s first AFCON quarterfinal appearance in over 10 years.
- 2013: Morocco’s first AFCON semifinal appearance in over 10 years.
- 2019: Morocco’s first AFCON final appearance in over 20 years.
Morocco’s AFCON history is a testament to the team’s resilience and determination. From their early years to their modern era, the team has consistently pushed for success, and their recent achievements have marked a new era in Moroccan football.
