Atlas Lions 1976 AFCON Title Complete Guide
The 1976 African Cup of Nations was the 12th edition of the African Cup of Nations, the premier international football tournament in Africa. The tournament was held in Ethiopia, and it was won by the Atlas Lions of Morocco.
Background
The Atlas Lions had a rich history in African football, having won the tournament previously in 1976 was their third title. The team was led by the legendary coach, Blaise Ndongo Camille, and had a talented squad that included players like Ahmed Faras, Moustafa Haddaji, and Houmane Aouadou.
The Road to the Title
The Atlas Lions qualified for the tournament by finishing top of their group in the qualification stage, winning all their matches.
In the group stage of the tournament, the Atlas Lions were drawn in Group A alongside Ghana, Guinea, and Mauritius. They won all their matches, scoring 10 goals and conceding none.
In the semi-finals, the Atlas Lions faced Guinea and won 2-1.
- In the final, the Atlas Lions faced Zaire and won 3-2 in a thrilling match.
The Final Match
The final match between the Atlas Lions and Zaire was played on March 14, 1976, at the Addis Ababa Stadium in Ethiopia. The Atlas Lions dominated the match, creating several scoring opportunities, and eventually won 3-2.
The Squad
The Atlas Lions squad that won the 1976 AFCON title included:
- Ahmed Faras
- Moustafa Haddaji
- Houmane Aouadou
- Abdelmajid Benjelloun
- Abdelkader El Khiati
- Abdelmajid Chettali
- Abdelmajid Benkhrif
- Abdelmajid El Madi
- Abdelmajid Benkhrif
- Abdelmajid El Madi
Legacy
The Atlas Lions’ 1976 AFCON title was a historic moment for Moroccan football, and it cemented the team’s status as one of the best in African football. The team’s success in the tournament also inspired a new generation of Moroccan footballers, who went on to achieve great things in the sport.
The Atlas Lions’ 1976 AFCON title is still celebrated today, and it remains one of the proudest moments in Moroccan football history.
