After a humiliating 2-0 defeat to Senegal in an international warm-up game last Saturday, Rwanda has dropped in the latest FIFA Rankings released on Thursday in Zurich, Switzerland. Head coach Jonathan McKinstry and his side, who previously remained static at the 87th last month have experienced a worst drop this year to 103rd in the world with 401 points and stand 26th in Africa. Amavubi which is second with six points in Group H of the African Cup of Nations competition have dropped 16 slots but a win against Mozambique (a slot above) this Saturday will move them up in the next FIFA rankings next month. Rwanda opponents Ghana have moved up a slot to 37 globally and remained third on the continent, Mozambique has moved up by 4 slots to 97th in the world and 25 on the continent, while Mauritius is 142 globally. Despite the regional CECAFA challenges winners Uganda losing to Zimbabwe 2-0 in a friendly this week, the Cranes remained static at 72nd in the world with 491 points and stand 16th in Africa. Kenya is 129; Burundi drops 10 slots from 122 to 132, Sudan (128), and Tanzania (136) worldwide. Senegal that beat Rwanda moved up to 41 worldwide and 4th in Africa; there was still no change in the top ranked nations on the continent with Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, and Ghana leading the pack. Meanwhile, globally, Argentina leads other while Colombia replaces Chile in the third position, having moved a slot. Germany also moved a slot to 4th while Argentina remained top of the globe with Belgium following in the second position. The next men’s FIFA rankings will be released on July 7. editorial@newtimes.co.rw
