In the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday, East African nations have experienced mixed fortunes as both Kenya and Tanzania saw notable drops.
Kenya’s Harambee Stars slipped two places, now sitting at 111th, down from 109th in July. Their recent performance showcased both the highs and lows of national team football, as they faced Gambia and Seychelles in World Cup qualifiers.
A disappointing 3-1 loss to Gambia extinguished their hopes of qualifying for the upcoming World Cup, though they redeemed themselves with a resounding 5-0 victory over Seychelles.
Tanzania’s Taifa Stars faced an even steeper decline, falling four spots to 107th. Their efforts on the field during this qualifying period yielded mixed results, contributing to their drop in the rankings.
On a brighter note, Uganda has made an impressive leap, rising six spots to claim the 82nd position in the world. Their ascent highlights a positive trajectory for Ugandan football, in contrast to the plight of the other regional teams.
Rwanda remained steadfast in its ranking, clinging to 127th position despite a recent mixed performance in the World Cup qualifiers. They suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Nigeria in Uyo but bounced back with a crucial win against Zimbabwe, thanks to a stunning first-half goal from Gilbert Mugisha. However, this single victory was not enough to elevate their standings in the rankings.
At the bottom of the East African table is Burundi, which now ranks 141st after slipping two places since July. Their struggles continue as they attempt to find their footing in international football.
In the broader African context, Morocco retains its position as the top-ranked nation on the continent, followed closely by Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, and Côte d’Ivoire. The competition among these nations remains fierce as they vie for footballing supremacy in Africa and beyond.