Uganda moves to 73rd despite CHAN exit

Uganda (red) and Namibia in action on Thursday night. (Credit: CAF)

FIFA | FOOTBALL

The Uganda Cranes have climbed two places from 75 to 73 in the latest FIFA world rankings.

Uganda's exploits in last year's World Cup qualifiers ended with a 1-1 stalemate against Congo Brazzaville.

It was a dead rubber that did not have a bearing on the Cranes' chances of making it to the revered World Cup finals for the first time. They failed to qualify having lost to Egypt 1-0 away, a game where Uganda needed at least a draw to stay on course.

Now keeping in mind that performance in international football is the benchmark for determining the FIFA rankings, the away draw against Congo Brazzaville partly explains Uganda's rise. They had earlier in the qualifier defeated Egypt 1-0 at Namboole Stadium.

The rise in ranking is a positive development, but it does not relate well with disparities in Uganda's performance at hand. The Cranes bowed out of CECAFA at the hands of lowly Zanzibar in the fall of last year.

The wave of disappointment has continued this year with failure to impress at the ongoing CHAN in Morocco. They have not played past the group stages ever.

Surprisingly, one of their tormenters at the meet; Namibia are ranked 111. Namibia beat the Cranes 1-0 Thursday to spell an end to the latter's journey in the competition, which is exclusive to local-based players.

With a new coach in French man Desabre Sebastien, the cranes need a complete makeover. The sh72m-a-month national team employee has, however, just failed his first hurdle in Morocco.