Harambee Stars gain impressive four places in latest FIFA rankings

Kenya has climbed up four places in the latest FIFA ranking published on Thursday, April 4.

According to the latest ranking, Harambee Stars moved to position 107 behind Mauritania and Namibia who are placed 105 and 106 respectively.

This is a considerable improvement for the national team that slipped to position 111 in the February FIFA ranking after failing to take part in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations where hosts Ivory Coast emerged as winners after seeing off Nigeria in the final.

Harambee Stars ended 2023 in position 110 but following their stellar performance during the Four Nations tournament, Engin Firat’s men have recorded a significant improvement in the FIFA rankings.

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Captain Michael Olunga orchestrated the win in Malawi by grabbing a hat-trick to help Harambee Stars come from behind to sink Warriors of Zimbabwe 3-1 in the final held at Bingu National Stadium.

Kenya ended the tournament undefeated having hammered Malawi 4-0 in their opening match of the tournament also played at Bingu National Stadium.

The tournament in Lilongwe was part of the Stars’ preparations for their Group F qualifiers against Burundi and reigning African champions Cote d’Ivoire set for June 3 and 10 respectively.

The Ivorians lead the group with the maximum six points from two matches, same as Gabon, after destroying Seychelles 9-0 before beating the Gambia 2-0 in their opening two games.

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Like Kenya, Burundi also have three points, while The Gambia and Seychelles are pointless, setting up epic battles in June.

In the East African region, DR Congo (63) continue leading the way with Uganda (92) and Kenya (107) cementing the top three. Tanzania (119), Rwanda (131), Burundi (140) and South Sudan (167) follow in that order respectively.

In Africa, Morocco (13), Senegal (17), Nigeria (30), Egypt (37), Ivory Coast (38) occupy the top five spots.

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Elsewhere, Argentina (1st) continue to lead the way ahead of France (2nd), but Belgium (3rd, up 1) have returned to the podium at the expense of England (4th, down 1).

Brazil (5th) complete the top five, but Portugal (6th, up 1) are now knocking on the door.

The Netherlands (7th, down 1) have slipped one place, whereas Spain (8th), Italy (9th) and Croatia (10th) have all held on to their positions.

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