Morocco National Team AFCON History: A Complete Guide
The Moroccan national football team, also known as the Atlas Lions, has a rich history in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON). With a total of 7 appearances in the final, they have won the tournament twice, in 1976 and 2018. In this article, we will delve into the complete history of Morocco’s AFCON journey, highlighting their achievements, notable players, and memorable moments.
Early Years (1957-1976)
‘s first appearance in the AFCON was in 1957, where they finished third. The team’s early years were marked by inconsistent performances, but they began to show promise in the 1960s. In 1968, they finished as runners-up, losing to Ghana in the final.
- 1957: Third place
- 1968: Runners-up
The Golden Years (1976-1986)
The 1970s were a golden era for Moroccan football. In 1976, they won their first AFCON title, defeating Ghana 1-0 in the final. This victory marked a turning point in the team’s history, as they began to establish themselves as a force to be reckoned with in African football.
- 1976: Champions
- 1978: Quarterfinals
- 1980: Group stage
- 1984: Group stage
- 1986: Group stage
The Modern Era (1990s-2000s)
In the 1990s and 2000s, Morocco experienced a decline in their AFCON performances. They failed to advance beyond the group stage on several occasions, but they did manage to finish as runners-up in 1992, losing to Ivory Coast in the final.
- 1992: Runners-up
- 1994: Group stage
- 1996: Group stage
- 1998: Group stage
- 2000: Group stage
- 2002: Group stage
- 2004: Group stage
- 2006: Group stage
- 2008: Group stage
- 2010: Quarterfinals
Recent Success (2018-present)
In 2018, Morocco achieved their second AFCON title, defeating Egypt 4-1 in a penalty shootout after the game ended 1-1. This victory marked a resurgence in the team’s fortunes, as they have since become a consistent contender in African football.
- 2018: Champions
- 2020: Quarterfinals
- 2022: Runners-up
Conclusion
The Moroccan national team’s AFCON history is a testament to their dedication and perseverance. From their early years to their recent successes, the Atlas Lions have established themselves as a force to be reckoned with in African football. As they continue to compete in the AFCON, fans around the world will be eagerly watching their progress.
