Ghana made a significant fall to 45th position in the latest FIFA ranking. The Black Stars were 45th in the world but still remained eighth in Africa.
The Black Stars have in recent times, have had quite a number of recorded losses and missed matches; factors which formed the basis for this drastic decline in the latest FIFA ranking. Egypt topped the list as the country maintained its position as first in Africa. The Egyptians also moved up one place to 35th position on the table.
For the world Ranking, Brazil topped the list for the first time in seven years. Germany came third, as Chile and Colombia followed in fourth and fifth respectively. Belgium, who was out of the top five for the first time in three years, dropped to seventh and European champions Portugal came eighth. Switzerland and Spain followed as they rounded up the top ten as 9th and 10th respectively.
Nigeria stepped up by moving up two places in Africa to become 5th and one place to become 40th in the world, as against the 7th and 41st positions occupied respectively in the last rankings.
Circumstances that led to Ghana’s Decline on Latest FIFA Ranking
Ghana’s drastic decline on the list was said to have been as a result of the country’s inactivity during the FIFA date for international friendlies. For this reason, Ghana was unable to build on their accumulated points, hence slipped.
A total of 129 games was taken into account by FIFA, after which Ghana did not make up for many. However, only 19 of the 211 member associations stood steady in their March placings.
Furthermore, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) has been on the receiving end of massive criticisms from football lovers across the country. This is with respect to the recent poor performance and lack of professionalism which has so reflected in the country’s football image.
GFA President Kwesi Nyantakyi’s reign in recent times have been met with criticisms from football stakeholders who are asking for more in terms of excellence and stability in Ghana football. Many have blamed the President for the delay to the start of 2017 Ghana Premiere league season due to litigations among clubs over unfair judicial verdicts.
After a seven-year hiatus, Brazil topped the list of FIFA world ranking. The country which has been drooling over the top position for seven years has finally ‘claimed’ back the position which they consider as their rightful place.
The country replaced Argentina in the top spot, a side whose participation at the World Cup in Russia is in doubt following poor recent form. Argentina lost their place after last week’s 2-0 defeat in Bolivia which has left them struggling to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
Brazil who has four matches to spare, became the first side to book their place at next year’s World Cup in Russia, following a 4-1 win in Uruguay and 3-0 win over Paraguay. The country previously led the rankings going into the 2010 World Cup where they were eliminated by the Netherlands in the quarter-finals.
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