Why Taifa Stars climbed 5 places in Fifa rankings
Tanzania national football team (Taifa Stars) players celebrate after winning 1-0 over Zambia’s Chipolopolo last Tuesday at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola, Zambia. PHOTO | COURTESY
What you need to know:
- The climb is attributed to Taifa Stars’ recent performance in various international friendly matches as well as a win in the World Cup qualifier over Zambia.
Dar es Salaam. Tanzania have climbed five places the Fifa Rankings, holding the 114th position and garnering 1,174.99 points, according to the world football governing body’s latest release.
In the previous Fifa rankings, Tanzania were placed 119th with the collection of 1,160.98 points.
The climb is attributed to Taifa Stars’ recent performance in various international friendly matches as well as a win in the World Cup qualifier over Zambia.
Taifa Stars defeated Zambia 1-0 at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on June 11 to hold the second position in group E with six points.
Morocco lead the group with six points as other teams in the group are Niger who are third with three points, Zambia are fourth with three points and Congo Brazzaville are at the bottom without a point.
Records show that Taifa Stars have so far played six international matches, three qualifiers for the World Cup and three friendlies, winning three, drawing one and losing two.
Apart from Zambia, Taifa Stars won 1-0 over Sudan and 3-0 over Mongolia in the Fifa Series before recording a goalless draw against Indonesia and losing 2-1 to Sudan.
In East Africa, Uganda are at the top with 1,248.94 points and are placed 92nd in the Fifa rankings while Kenya who are placed in the 104th position in the Fifa rankings are second in East Africa with 1,195.45 points.
Argentina lead the Fifa rankings with 1,860.14 points, followed by France with 1,837.47 points, and Belgium are third with 1,797.98 points and followed by Brazil in the fourth position with 1,791.85 points while England are placed fifth with 1,787.88 points.
In Africa, Morocco maintain the top spot with 1,669.44 points and are placed 12th in the world while Senegal are seconds with 1,623.34 points and are 18th in the world.
Egypt are third in Africa and are 36th in the world with 1,502/34 points while Ivory Coast are ranked fourth and 37th in the world with 1,499.69 points and followed by Nigeria in the fifth slot and 38th in the world with 1,498.93 points.
