The Gambia is the second biggest movers in the latest Coca Cola World Rankings released by FIFA on Thursday. Ranked 166 in the world, the Scorpions moved up seven places, joint second with Morocco and is also 48 in Africa. Sudan is the biggest movers by 8 to 127.
The jump for The Gambia came following a comprehensive 3-1 defeat of Benin in the penultimate round of the African Cup of Nations qualifiers in Bakau on November 17. Going behind to a 37th minute Steve Mounie header, the Scorpions regrouped to score three unanswered goals courtesy of Lamin Jallow, Babucarr Jobe and Ablie Jallow to send the home spectators into ecstasy.
The result secured us a first competitive win in five years and has rejuvenated the Scorpions’ chances of securing a maiden place in the continental showpiece event in Cameroon 2019. Pending the outcome of the protest against Togo for fielding an ineligible player against us, a 1-1 draw in Algeria would secure Tom Sainfiet’s side qualification as one of the top two finishers in our group if we win the case against the Squirrels. CAF is still mute on that protest after more than a month when the protest was lodged with the continental governing body.
Further down the table, the big climbers included the African quartet of Mozambique (117th, up 5), Angola (125th, up 5), Sudan (127th, up 8), and Comoros (143rd, up 5). The rise of Kosovo (131st, up 6) was also notable as it took them to their highest position ranking position to date.
Belgium remain top of the log, although the gap between the Red Devils, France (2nd, unchanged) and Brazil (3rd, unchanged) has narrowed over the past month. Defeats for the leading duo in the UEFA Nations League resulted in both dropping six ranking points, while Brazil – even though they are still 50 points behind France – added seven after wins over Uruguay (7th, down 1) and Cameroon (55th, down 4).