Morocco's Football Odyssey: From 1976 triumph to 2022 World Cup glory

Morocco, the 1976 Africa Cup of Nations victors, are on a quest for a second title at the upcoming 2024 Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast.

Despite enduring a series of disappointments in recent editions, including a last-16 upset by Benin in 2019, Morocco emerged as the first African and Arab semi-finalists in the 2022 World Cup, defying expectations and earning global acclaim.

Coach Walid Regragui, a pivotal figure in Morocco’s football history, downplays the “red-hot favourites” tag, emphasizing the strength of competition in African football.

With Group F matchups against former champions DR Congo and Zambia, along with Tanzania, the Atlas Lions face a challenging path, aiming to break free from the quarter-final barrier that has haunted them in the past seven Cup of Nations appearances.

Regarded as one of the tournament’s potential dark horses, DR Congo, under the guidance of French coach Sebastien Desabre, fields a formidable squad featuring the defensive prowess of Chancel Mbemba and Premier League talent Yoane Wissa.

While Morocco remains cautious about their chances, Desabre believes they are strong contenders for the coveted trophy.

“I am hoping we can at least reach the quarter-finals, while Morocco must be favourites to lift the trophy,” says Desabre

Zambia, having experienced a downturn since their 2012 triumph, seeks resurgence with Leicester City forward Patson Daka leading the charge.

Tanzania, alongside fellow first-time qualifiers Guinea-Bissau, Mauritania, Mozambique, and Namibia, aspires to make a mark in their inaugural Cup of Nations campaign.

“To be part of the group that has taken Zambia back where it belongs is a great achievement,” says Leicester City forward Patson Daka, who netted five times in qualifiers.

As the footballing world anticipates the drama unfolding in the Ivory Coast, Morocco’s footballing odyssey—from the historic 1976 triumph to the 2022 World Cup heroics—sets the stage for an enthralling pursuit of breaking the “Curse of African Cup” in 2024.