Kenya’s Harambee Stars were affected after dropping four places in the latest world FIFA rankings released on Thursday.
Despite being active in the just-concluded September Fifa international break where they played two matches – away to Qatar and at home to South Sudan – the Engin Firat-led side dropped to 109 from position 105 in the rankings done by the international football body on September 21.
Kenya dropped 6.93 points to a cumulative of 1184.14. The latest drop was attributed to the team’s 1-0 defeat against South Sudan’s Brights Stars at Kasarani Stadium last Tuesday. During the fixture, a first-half goal courtesy of Kenya Police forward Tito Okello enabled the visiting side to carry the day. Kenya had earlier played against Qatar winning the friendly 2-1 courtesy of goals from defender Joseph Akumu and substitute Amos Nondi.
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Despite defeating Kenya, South Sudan kept their 167 position while Qatar dropped from position 59 to 61. Kenya neighbours Uganda, who participate in an Africa Cup of Nations qualifier beating Niger 2-0, moved a place up to position 89 while Tanzania, who drew 0-0 with Algeria to qualify for the 2023 Afcon finals in Ivory Coast, climbed to position 122.
Morocco’s Atlas Lions are the best-ranked team in Africa at position 13, after moving one place up, African champions Senegal is second in the continent despite dropping from position 18 to 20, Tunisia third in 29th position, Algeria fourth on 34, and Egypt fifth on 35. Mali and Cote d’Ivoire ranked 49 and 50 respectively moved up two spots to reclaim their positions amongst the top 50.
Meanwhile, World champions Argentina strengthened their grip at the top, with the top five remaining unchanged. Argentina, who dethroned Brazil at the summit in April, remained top after beating Ecuador and Bolivia in their 2026 World Cup qualifiers earlier this month.
Harambee Stars used the friendly matches to prepare for their upcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers where they have been pooled in Group F alongside Seychelles, Burundi, Gambia, Gabon, and Ivory Coast and they will kick off their campaign with an away game against the Scorpions at Stade de Franceville on November 13.