Rwanda's dip in FIFA ranking 'disappoints' coach McKinstry

Rwanda has dropped 21 places to 94th in the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday morning in Zurich. Last month, Rwanda was ranked 73rd but two losses to Uganda in the CAF U-23 Championship/Rio 2016 Olympic second round qualifiers, 2-1 in Kigali and 2-0 in Kampala have affected Rwanda’s position. Amavubi coach Johnny McKinstry wrote on his Twitter handle that, “Disappointed to see us fall to 94 in the latest @Fifacom world ranking but having played only 4 full international in 12 months.” McKinstry lost his first game in charge of the national side 2-0 against Zambia before beating Somalia in the first round of the Olympic qualifiers 2-0 in Kigali. Rwanda was then held to a 1-1 draw by Somalia in the return leg in Djibouti but proceeded to meet Uganda following a 3-1 win on aggregate. Rwanda achieved her best ranking last December after it was listed 64th in the world. On the current rankings, Rwanda maintained second place in the CECAFA region, trailing Uganda (71st) by 23 places. Ethiopia is third (99th) while Kenya is in fourth position in 123th position. Sudan are in 108th position with Tanzania occupying 127th while Burundi are in 134th. South Sudan occupy 197th position. Ghana, who are in Group H with Rwanda in the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers sit in 34th position on the world rankings while Mauritius are 176th and Mozambique moved five places to 81st. The 2017 AFCON qualifiers are scheduled to run from June 12-September 4 next year. The tournament will be hosted by Gabon and a total of 16 qualified nations will be vying to become the next African champions. Algeria is the highest ranked African nation in 21st position while the reigning African champions Ivory Coast are 24th. Germany maintained number one position with Belgium in second. Argentina, Colombia, Brazil are third, fourth and fifth respectively. editorial@newtimes.co.rw

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Rwanda's dip in FIFA ranking 'disappoints' coach McKinstry