Morocco’s Atlas Lionesses lost two spots in the FIFA Women’s National Team rankings to rank 60th.
The drop could be attributed to Morocco’s defeat in a few friendly matches against Zambia in September.
On September 22, Morocco lost 2-0 to Zambia in a friendly game. The Atlas Lionesses were also defeated 6-2 in a second friendly match against the same team on September 6.
On December 1, the Atlas Lionesses drew 1-1 in a game against Uganda, but won their second friendly against the same team on December 5 by 3-0.
Nigeria tops the list of the best national teams in Africa, followed by South Africa.
Morocco is the third on the list, followed by Ghana, Cameroon, Zambia, Cote d’Ivoire, Tunisia, and Mali.
The past few years have marked rapid development of women’s football in Morocco. This has been reflected in the Atlas Lionesses’ triumphs in the Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
Last year, the Atlas Lionesses finished as finalists in the continental tournament. This year also marked the Moroccan women’s first participation in the Women’s World Cup.
Many have celebrated the development of women’s football in Morocco, including the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
“Moroccan football has prospered in recent years, with the men’s national team reaching the semi-finals of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™, the women’s national team reaching the round of 16 at this year’s FIFA Women’s World Cup™,” CAF wrote earlier this month.
CAF lauded the country’s efforts to develop women’s football, highlighting the Royal Moroccan Football Federation and its President Fouzi Lekjaa’s contribution to this success.
“After Lekjaa was appointed to the role in 2017, results quickly picked up thanks to the plan that was implemented across Moroccan football, at all age groups and for the men’s and women’s game, with clubs also playing a key role,” CAF stressed.
Source : Morocco World News
