Zebras continue to slide in FIFA rankings
Staff Writer | Friday July 10, 2015 15:29
The latest ranking shows the Zebras are in position 120 in the world and 35th in Africa.
Zebras have been struggling to get good results with their last victory being against South Africa in the quarterfinals of the COSAFA Senior Challenge in May.
They won through a penalty shootout, and lost in the semi finals despite having picked their best team, with only Mogakolodi Ngele a notable absentee. Ngele returned for the first game of the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) against Uganda and misfired once again in front of goals. The loss left Zebras with a huge task in the remaining qualifiers. The two draws against Lesotho have also not done any favours for Zebras.
Team coach, Peter Butler admitted that after the 1-1 draw against Lesotho in the African Nations Championship qualifier that came without goals, the Zebras cannot win a game. He said despite playing well, poor decisions remain a problem when they approach the final third.
Meanwhile, Argentina have replaced Germany at the top of the world ranking despite losing to Chile in the final of the Copa America.
They were moving from position three and leapfrogged both Belgium and previous leaders, Germany to occupy the top spot. Chile’s exploits at the same tournament have not gone unnoticed as they moved eight places up the ladder. They are now in position 11 in the world, just missing out on the top 10 bracket.