Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, has experienced a positive shift in the latest FIFA rankings, securing the 59th spot among the world’s best-performing countries. Despite this improvement, their position in the Confederation of African Football (CAF) category remains unchanged at 11th.
During the recent international break in June, the Black Stars encountered a draw against Madagascar, bringing their record for the year 2023 to one victory and two draws out of three matches played. However, Ghana has struggled to secure a place in Africa’s top ten rankings for over a year, with their last appearance dating back to October 2021 when they held the 7th position.
Meanwhile, Morocco continues to maintain its leading position despite facing a draw and a defeat against Cape Verde and South Africa, respectively, during the international break. Senegal follows closely in second place after defeating Brazil and drawing with Benin. Tunisia, Algeria, Egypt, Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso complete the top ten list of African countries.
On a global scale, the top ten rankings have remained consistent, except for minor shifts. England has moved up one spot from its previous position, now securing fourth place, while Croatia has surpassed the Netherlands, claiming the seventh position.
The Black Stars’ rise to the 59th position in the latest FIFA Rankings, published on Thursday, June 29, 2023, can be attributed to their commendable performance under the leadership of coach Chris Hughton. Since the previous ranking release on April 6, 2023, Ghana has only played one match against Madagascar in the qualifiers for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Although the goalless draw was not the desired outcome for the West African team, it earned them valuable points and propelled them to the 59th spot.
In the African rankings, Ghana currently sits outside the top ten, placing 11th behind the leading countries of Morocco, Senegal, Tunisia, Algeria, and Egypt. Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Cameroon, Mali, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon complete the top ten list for African football.
Meanwhile, in the global rankings, Argentina continues to dominate as the top-ranked country, having claimed the World Cup championship. France and Brazil closely follow in second and third place, respectively, after securing convincing victories against Australia and Indonesia during the international break. Croatia’s remarkable achievement in surpassing the Netherlands has earned them the seventh spot, while England has successfully overtaken Belgium to take fourth place. Spain, Portugal, and Italy complete the top ten rankings.
Source: Ghanaonline.net
