The Atlas lions of Morocco have moved to the first position in the recent, FIFA rankings, taking an edge over 2021 AFCON winners Senegal. While Cameroon has moved up 10 places to reach the 33rd position of the best football teams in the world, according to the FIFA ranking published on Thursday, December 22 by the World Football Governing Body (FIFA).
The Indomitable Lions were placed 43rd in the October rankings, but incredibly, Rigobert Song and the lads have speared forward with some considerable distance.
The leap is a direct aftermath of the historic victory over Brazil at the just ended World Cup.
Winning 1-0 on December 2, in the third and final group G match, Cameroon became the first African team to beat Brazil in the final phase of the World Cup.
It was a prestigious victory but did not aid Vincent Aboubakar’s teammates to qualify for the knockout phase. Cameroon finished third in its group with 4 points on the log and placed 19th out of the 32 teams present in Qatar at the end of the tournament.
Cameroon equally climbed at the African level. The indomitable Lions moved from 7th to 4th place; three places gained.
The first African team to reach the semi-finals of the tournament, Morocco (11th) are now the leaders on the continental level. The Atlas Lions dethroned Senegal (19th in the World) who descended to the second step of the podium in Africa, despite their journey to the round of 16 in Qatar.
Tunisia are ranked 30th in the World after they defeated France at the World Cup. The Carthage Eagles retain the third position in Africa. At the global level, Brazil remains at the top of the world rankings despite their elimination in the quarter-finals. Argentina, world champions, occupy second place while France, unfortunate finalists, climb to third place on the podium.
By Brian Mboh