Flames leap on FIFA rankings

Now 115, best ranking since 2018

Malawi’s recent consecutive victories over South Sudan and Uganda have propelled the Flames eight places up the Coca Cola Fifa rankings.

The Flames are now on position 115 from 123 in the world and 29 in Africa from 32 in the rankings for February, according to April statistics posted on the world football governing body’s website.

The Meck Mwase side are the fourth biggest movers after Guinea-Bissau (108, +11), Namibia (111, +10) and Armenia (90,  +9).

It is the first time for the Flames to move eight steps since November 2018 when they moved seven places from 130 to 123.

The Flames got 1162.39 points up from 1140 for the victory over South Sudan and Uganda.

Flames coach Mwase described the Flames rise on the ladder as good news.

“This is very good news. We have to congratulate the boys for working very hard. This has come because we won the two Afcon games against South Sudan and Uganda,” he said.

Soccer analyst Charles Nyirenda, however, said Malawi should aim higher.

“We should be aiming at double digit so that we are in the top 100,” he said.

The last time Malawi made it into the top 100 was in 2012 when their one-all draw against Nigeria and a 2-0 victory over Chad saw them leap 14 places to position 93 from 107.

Senegal are still Africa’s best team followed by Tunisia (2nd), Nigeria (3rd), Algeria (4th), Morocco (5th) and Egypt.

On the other hand, South Africa are still Council for Southern Africa Football Association (Cosafa) best team followed by Zambia.

The Flames, who have qualified for the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations finals, are sixth in Cosafa.

The order of the top six has not changed, with Belgium still ahead of France and Brazil, seventh place is now filled by Italy (7,+3).

Denmark (10, +2), who just liek Italy won their opening three qualifying games for Qatar 2022, return to the top 10.