Chipolopolo static at 88th on FIFA ranks

SUN SPORTS writes THE world’s football governing body FIFA has announced its latest FIFA Coca Cola World Rankings with Zambia maintaining 88th position at global level. Meanwhile, the Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) says it is concerned that some clubs have relaxed their adherence to the Covid-19 guidelines. With teams having been inactive since the November international break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Chipolopolo are ranked19th best team in Africa. Despite being last in Group-H of the 2022 AFCON qualifiers with no points after losing two games in the qualifiers, Zambia is ranked second best in Southern Africa region which is dominated by South Africa who are ranked 13th in Africa and 71 at global level. South Africa share the 71st spot with United Arab Emirates while, Senegal remains as the best ranked team in Africa and occupiers 20th position at global level. Tunisia, Nigeria, Nigeria and Morocco complete the top five best ranked teams in Africa while record AFCON winners Egypt are ranked seventh in Africa and 51st in the world. England have moved up to fourth in FIFA’s latest world rankings, their highest position for five years. Belgium are now the outright number one side in the world, having previously been tied at the top with France, who slipped to second. Neymar’s Brazil is ranked third in the world while Uruguay complete the top five best ranked teams in the world. And 2010 FIFA World Cup winners, Spain is ranked eighth while, Lionel Messi’s Argentina is ninth as Columbia complete the top 10 on the world rankings. FAZ General Secretary Adrian Kashala said the clubs will face stiff penalties which could extend to losing points or matches being cancelled for breaching the Covid-19 guidelines. In a statement issued by FAZ Communications Manager Sydney Mungala, Kashala reminded clubs that the league can be halted again if clubs do not adhere to the guidelines. The league resumes tomorrow with league leaders, Forest Rangers facing Zanaco The Sun