Morocco rated Africa’s strongest by Gabon coach Thierry Mouyouma

Gabon coach Thierry Mouyouma has ranked Morocco as the strongest opponent his side has faced since his appointment, placing the Atlas Lions above Senegal and Ivory Coast.

Speaking on Canal+ Sport Afrique’s Talents d’Afrique, the 52-year-old was asked to assess the toughest challenges encountered since taking charge of the Panthers in November 2023.

His verdict came after a series of demanding fixtures against Africa’s leading football nations, where results highlighted both the progress and limitations of his team.

Mouyouma’s baptism of fire arrived against Senegal in March 2024. Still adjusting to his new role, he endured a sobering 3-0 defeat in a friendly match against Aliou Cissé’s side.

Despite the heavy scoreline, the coach pointed out that Senegal’s tactical adaptability made them a complex opponent, with Cissé often shifting formations during matches.

The following months brought a double test against Ivory Coast, then the reigning African champions. In June 2024, Gabon narrowly lost 1-0 to the Elephants in their third qualifier for the 2026 World Cup.

However, a notable step forward came in the September return leg, when the Panthers held the Ivorians to a goalless draw — a result Mouyouma regarded as evidence of his side’s gradual improvement and growing resilience against top-tier opposition.

Yet, it was Morocco who left the deepest impression on the Gabonese coach. Facing Walid Regragui’s side twice in the space of three months, Gabon suffered a 4-1 defeat in September 2024 during the Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign, before falling 5-1 in November.

The comprehensive nature of these defeats led Mouyouma to place the Atlas Lions at the very top of his list.

“The Moroccan team is impressive,” he admitted. “They were far ahead when we played them. They are formidable on set pieces, and their overall organisation is difficult to break down.”

In drawing comparisons, Mouyouma highlighted differences in style and strength between the three heavyweights. While Senegal’s adaptability and Ivory Coast’s champion mentality stood out, it was Morocco’s consistency and dominance that convinced him most.

“Senegal plays differently, and Aliou (Cissé) often changed his system when we faced them. But Morocco remains the team that impressed me the most,” he said.

The remarks from Gabon’s head coach offer an insight into the hierarchy he perceives within African football today.

They also reflect the challenge facing emerging sides such as Gabon, who continue to measure themselves against the continent’s most accomplished teams as they seek to raise their own standards.

Mouyouma’s candid admission underscores the gulf that still exists between Gabon and the elite, but it also serves as a reminder of the Panthers’ ambition.

By acknowledging Morocco’s superiority while recognising the lessons drawn from encounters with Senegal and Ivory Coast, he framed these matches as key steps in Gabon’s long-term development.

As the Panthers prepare for future qualifiers and the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, the coach’s assessment sets both a benchmark and a challenge.

To compete with Africa’s finest, Gabon must continue building on the resilience shown against Ivory Coast and learn from the harsh lessons taught by Morocco.