The Kenya national football team, Harambee Stars, has moved up 10 places according to the latest FIFA World rankings released on Thursday. The team is now ranked position 78 globally, and the top 100 ranking bodes well with the long term plan for the national team and football development in the country, after marked improvement under coach Stanley Okumbi.
The Harambee Stars have collected a total of 428 points currently, and last month they had 392 points. The recent friendly games the Stars played definitely played a part in the ranking, especially the 2-1 win against DR Congo at Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos. DRC had posted good results in the African Cup of Nations early this year, and the fact that Kenya defeated them, courtesy of goals form star striker Michael Olunga, showed marked improvement. The Stars are currently on a 10 matches unbeaten run under coach Stanley Okumbi.
Kenya is ranked at position 16 in Africa. The highest ranked African team is Egypt, at position 19th globally, followed by Senegal who are placed at position 30. Cameroon, who are third in Africa are ranked in position 34, while Burkina Faso are in position 35. Brazil are the highest ranked team at position 1, followed by fellow South American giants Argentina, World Champions Germany and Chile.