Kenya’s national football team, Harambee Stars, has slipped two places in the latest FIFA world rankings released on Thursday, falling from position 109 in July to 111.
Earlier this month, Stars played two World Cup qualifying matches at home against Gambia and Seychelles. Kenya’s campaign effectively ended after a 3-1 defeat to Gambia, before bouncing back with a commanding 5-0 win over Seychelles.
The loss to Gambia—who had been ranked lower than Kenya—proved costly in the rankings, with the Scorpions climbing one place to 115th while Harambee Stars dropped down.
Head coach Benni McCarthy came under heavy scrutiny following the Gambia defeat, with critics questioning his choice to sideline several standout performers from the recent CHAN tournament. Kenya conceded three quick goals inside the first half-hour, leaving the home crowd stunned.
McCarthy defended his tactical approach, insisting that the World Cup qualifiers posed an entirely different level of competition.
“People want me to take a risk and play CHAN players. This is international level, and you saw the shortcomings we had with players at this level. This is no ordinary game,” McCarthy said during his press conference.
On the global stage, Spain have climbed to the summit of the FIFA rankings, displacing Argentina, who now sit third. France moved into second place. Slovakia enjoyed the most significant rise, gaining ten places to 42nd, while Zimbabwe endured the steepest fall, dropping nine spots to 125th.
In Africa, Morocco advanced one place to lead the continent and are now ranked 11th worldwide. Senegal remain second in Africa at 18th globally, while Egypt sit third in Africa and 35th overall.
Within East Africa, Uganda continue to lead the region in 82nd place, followed by Tanzania at 107th, with Kenya now ranked third in the region.