As in the majority of African countries, football is the number one sport in Mauritania. Mauritania belongs to the group of countries that regularly register for FIFA and AFC qualifying competitions. Although Mauritanian football success stories have been few and far between, it is to be hoped that the quality of football will improve as a direct result of the Goal project. There are already a considerable number of professionals under the guidance of top coaches such as Sneïdry, Birama Gaye and Moussda Ould Ghassoum. However, following the team's disappointing showing in the 2004 African Cup of Nations, Ghassoum was replaced.