Morocco may have matched an African record by briefly rising to fifth in the FIFA rankings, but head coach Mohamed Ouahbi says winning the Africa Cup of Nations is the only achievement that will truly matter.
The Atlas Lions reached fifth place during the international break, equalling the highest position ever held by an African national team. Nigeria also occupied that spot in 1994.
However, Morocco’s 1-1 friendly draw against Mali on Sunday saw them drop to seventh in the world. Ouahbi is not concerned about sacrificing ranking points if it helps his side prepare properly for the tournament that matters most.
“We cannot simply chase the FIFA ranking and forget that the essential thing is to be ready to play these matches when we arrive at the Africa Cup of Nations,” he said.
“I am not going to say that I do not pay attention to it or that I do not look at it. No, I know we are fifth and we are very proud.”
Morocco could improve their chances of maintaining a high position by selecting more manageable opponents and prioritising victories. Instead, Ouahbi appears willing to face demanding opposition such as Mali, who were able to test the Atlas Lions.
The FIFA ranking rewards consistency over time, but it does not necessarily translate into major international trophies. Belgium’s period at the top of the world rankings is a notable example. They were number one for several years, including from September 2018 to March 2022, yet their so-called golden generation did not win the European Championship or the World Cup.
For Ouahbi, Morocco’s record at the Africa Cup of Nations offers a clearer measure of what remains to be achieved. While they await the final ruling from the TAS in the case involving the final of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, Morocco have won the competition only once.
That success came in 1976, meaning the country has now endured a 50-year wait for another continental title. In the eyes of the Morocco manager, that long-standing pursuit carries considerably more weight than any position in the FIFA rankings.