Pakistan, Jan. 22 -- Morocco have achieved their highest FIFA men's world ranking, rising to eighth, despite losing the Africa Cup of Nations final to Senegal, who climbed to 12th on Monday.

Morocco were beaten 1-0 after extra time by Senegal in the decider in Rabat on Sunday, but the hosts had a chance to win the trophy with a last-gasp penalty at the end of regulation time. However, Brahim Diaz squandered the kick after having to wait some 14 minutes for the Senegal players to return, as they walked off the field to protest the penalty decision.

Morocco moved up three spots in the January ranking to eighth. The 2022 World Cup semifinalists' previous best was 10th in April 1998. The highest ranking achieved by an African team was Niger...