RWANDA remained static in the latest Fifa rankings released last night. The East Africans are ranked 107 while Tanzania, Kenya and Sudan follow closely in 108, 113 and 118. Uganda, in 73rd spot is still the top ranked nation in the Cecafa region.  DRC, Ethiopia and Burundi are ranked 121, 123 and 144 respectively.

On the continent, 2010 World Cup hosts South Africa gained seven places (83), which is more than any other team since there were only minor changes to the rankings owing to the fact that few international games have been played in the last three to four weeks.

Of the top 20 teams, only Croatia, Russia and Egypt will be absent in South Africa.

The head-to-head battle for top spot between leaders Brazil and European champions Spain continues, and both have a clear lead over the chasing pack of Portugal, Netherlands and Italy.

Trailing even farther behind, after Germany, Argentina, England and France, are two teams not participating South Africa 2010 – Croatia and Russia – who are likely to lose even more ground after the tournament.

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