Atlas Lions 1976 AFCON Title: A Complete Guide
The 1976 African Cup of Nations, also known as the 1976 AFCON, was the 12th edition of the tournament. The Atlas Lions, Morocco’s national football team, made history by winning their first-ever AFCON title in 1976. In this article, we will delve into the details of the tournament and the Atlas Lions’ remarkable journey to the top.
The Road to the Final
The Atlas Lions, led by coach Abdellah Ben Arrif, started their campaign in Group A, where they faced Congo, Guinea, and Mali. Morocco won all three of their group stage matches, scoring 10 goals and conceding none. This impressive performance earned them a spot in the semifinals.
Group Stage Match 1: Morocco vs. Congo (Won 4-0)
- Group Stage Match 2: Morocco vs. Guinea (Won 3-0)
- Group Stage Match 3: Morocco vs. Mali (Won 3-0)
Semifinals: Morocco vs. Nigeria (Won 1-0)
The Final Match
The Atlas Lions faced Nigeria in the final match of the tournament. The game was played on March 19, 1976, at the Stade 7 November in Bamako, Mali. Morocco won the match 3-2, securing their first-ever AFCON title. The winning goals were scored by Mohammed Ben Lakhal, Fethi Boukhris, and Mohammed Triki.
- Final Match: Morocco vs. Nigeria (Won 3-2)
The Atlas Lions’ Squad
The Atlas Lions’ squad for the 1976 AFCON consisted of the following players:
- Goalkeepers: Abderrazak Khairi, Mohamed Khairi
- Defenders: Mohammed Triki, Fethi Boukhris, Ahmed Benazzouz, Hassan Jamaâ
- Midfielders: Mohammed Ben Lakhal, Mohammed Boussoufa, Abdellah Ben Arrif
- Forwards: Ahmed Faras, Mohammed Jabrane, Ahmed Zitouni
Conclusion
The Atlas Lions’ 1976 AFCON title was a historic moment for Moroccan football. The team’s impressive performance and determination earned them a place in the hearts of football fans around the world. This article serves as a complete guide to the Atlas Lions’ journey to the top, highlighting their road to the final, the final match, and the squad that made it all possible.
Leave a comment