Kenya Slip Down Two Places, Belgium Remain Top Of FIFA World Ranking

4th April 2019

Harambee Stars fell to 0-1 defeat in final 2019 AFCON qualifier in Ghana, top three remain unchanged

Harambee Stars players pose for a team photo prior to their Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against Ghana on Saturday September 8, 2018, at the MISC Kasarani. PHOTO/FKF
Harambee Stars players pose for a team photo prior to their Africa Cup of Nations Qualifier against Ghana on Saturday September 8, 2018, at the MISC Kasarani. PHOTO/FKF
SUMMARY
  • Kenya had already qualified to return to the AFCON ahead of their final Group F fixture at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra on March 24 and were on course to top the pool
  • Israel (84th, up  8) enjoyed the biggest jump of all, followed closely by Guatemala (143rd, up 6) and Tanzania (131st, up 6) after the latter booked their CAF Africa Cup of Nations place
  • Brazil, however, are looking over their shoulders somewhat with England who moved up a notch to fourth leapfrogging Russia 2018 beating finalists Croatia

NAIROBI, Kenya- Kenya slipped down two places to 108th in the latest Coca-Cola FIFA World Rankings released on Thursday following their 0-1 defeat to Ghana in their final 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier last month.

Kenya had already qualified to return to the AFCON ahead of their final Group F fixture at the Ohene Djan Stadium in Accra on March 24 and were on course to top the pool.

But winger Caleb Ekuban broke free in the 83rd minute to score the winner for the Black Stars in a result that lifted them to the summit on nine points, two ahead of Kenya in the final standings.

Goal-keeper, Patrick Matasi, was blamed for his handling when Ekuban's shot in the 83rd minute squirmed under his body prompting Harambee Stars head coach, Sebastien Migne, to leap into his defence when the team returned home from Ghana.

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The Black Stars who have won three continental titles on the other hand, rose three places to break into the world top 50 in the rankings that saw Belgium, World Cup winners France and Brazil retain their places in the top three.

There were 150 games played across the globe during the latest international period with the Red Devils of Belgium maintaining a slender lead – growing it marginally to three points – over France.

Brazil, however, are looking over their shoulders somewhat with England who moved up a notch to fourth leapfrogging Russia 2018 beating finalists Croatia.

Uruguay (6th, up 1) are the only other movers within the top ten, whereas a dramatic win for Germany (13th, up 3) saw them overtake defeated opponents the Netherlands (16th, down 2), as well as Sweden (14th, unchanged) and Chile (15th, down 2).

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Israel (84th, up  8) enjoyed the biggest jump of all, followed closely by Guatemala (143rd, up 6) and Tanzania (131st, up 6) after the latter booked their CAF Africa Cup of Nations place.

Two other sides preparing to appear at Africa’s showpiece in June, Congo DR (46th, up 5) and Ghana (49th, up 3), were the only two sides to breach the top 50, while Kosovo (127th, plus 3) continued their steady climb up the World Ranking.

-Material from fifa.com used to compile this report

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World Top 10

1. Belgium 1737

2. France 1734

3. Brazil  1676

4. England 1647

5. Croatia 1621

6. Uruguay 1613

7. Portugal 1607

8. Switzerland 1604

9. Spain 1591

10. Denmark 1589