Morocco national team AFCON history complete guide
The Morocco national team has a rich history in the African Cup of Nations (AFCON), with a total of 18 appearances in the competition. The team has won the tournament once, in 1976, and has also finished as runners-up three times.
Early Years (1957-1976)
Morocco’s first appearance in the AFCON was in 1957, when the tournament was still in its infancy. The team finished in third place in the inaugural tournament, which was held in Sudan. Over the next two decades, Morocco would go on to appear in the AFCON on several occasions, but without much success.
The Golden Generation (1976)
However, in 1976, Morocco’s fortunes changed when the team won the AFCON for the first time. Led by the legendary coach Abdellah Ben Arrif, Morocco defeated Ghana 2-1 in the final to claim the title. This victory marked a turning point in the team’s history and paved the way for future success.
Modern Era (1980s-2000s)
In the 1980s and 1990s, Morocco continued to appear in the AFCON, but without much success. However, in the 1990s, the team began to show signs of improvement, finishing as runners-up in 1992 and 2004. This period also saw the emergence of talented players such as Mustapha Hadji and Tarik Ould Bouamama.
Recent Years (2010s-present)
In the 2010s, Morocco continued to appear in the AFCON, but without much success. However, in 2019, the team finished as runners-up for a third time, losing to Algeria in the final. This impressive performance marked a resurgence in the team’s fortunes and set the stage for future success.
AFCON Statistics
- Appearances: 18
- Titles: 1 (1976)
- Runners-up: 3 (1992, 2004, 2019)
- Third place: 2 (1957, 1978)
Conclusion
Morocco’s AFCON history is a testament to the team’s resilience and determination. From its early years to the present day, the team has consistently shown a willingness to compete at the highest level. With a rich history and a talented squad, Morocco is poised to make a deep run in the 2023 AFCON.
