Egypt Falls in FIFA Rankings after Two African Losses

Egypt lost 23 positions in the FIFA monthly rankings for September, published Thursday, to become 61 in the world.

The record holders of seven Africa Cup of Nations titles, were defeated twice in their bid to return to the 2015 tournament after two absences, losing 2-0 away against Senegal and 1-0 at home against Tunisia in Group E of the Morocco championship qualifiers.

The two teams who defeated Egypt this month made big jumps in the rankings as Tunisia became the world’s 31st, an advance of 11 positions, while Senegal jumped 23 places to 36.

They also lost their position in the African top ten, falling to 13, below traditional rivals Algeria, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Ghana, Senegal and Nigeria, and also below minows Cape Verde Islands, who jumped 33 places to 41.

Before gradually sliding, Egypt made it into the world top 10 after winning three successive African Cup of Nations trophies in 2006, 2008 and 2010.Their worst ever ranking was in March 2013 when they were 75th.

World Cup winners Germany are still leading the rankings despite losing to second-place Argentina in a friendly rematch of their World Cup final this month.

Top 10: (Changed positions from August in parentheses)

1. Germany

2. Argentina

3. Colombia (4)

4. Netherlands (3)

5. Belgium

6. Brazil (7)

7. Uruguay (6)

8. Spain (7)

9. France (10)

10. Switzerland (9)

Top five African teams:

20. Algeria (24)

22. Ivory Coast (25)

31. Tunisia (42)

33. Ghana (36)

36. Senegal (59)

37. Nigeria (33)

Top five Arab teams:

20. Algeria

31. Tunisia

61. Egypt

68. Libya (62)

69. Jordan (56)

Source: Ahram Online