Warriors move an inch in Fifa rankings

THE Zimbabwe Warriors finally moved an inch on the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola world rankings after occupying the same position since June.

According to the rankings released yesterday, the Warriors moved one place up to 117, from 118, where they have been rooted since the World Cup finals.

On the continent, the Warriors remain unchanged on 30th position.

But, following a 1-1 draw against a higher-ranked Congo in Brazzaville two weeks ago, Sunday Chidzambwa’s troops moved a place up the ladder.

The Warriors have an average ranking of 81 since the inception of FIFA rankings.

The Democratic Republic of Congo, whom the Warriors meet in the next match of their 2019 AFCON qualifiers next month, dropped three places down the ladder.

They paid a huge price for a surprise 1-1 draw against Liberia in Monrovia in their last AFCON qualifier.

However, the Leopards remain in 40th place in the world and are the third bestranked African team.

Tunisia lead the CAF chart and are the 24th best team in the world while Senegal’s Lions of Teranga are ranked as the second best African team on the globe.

Warriors coach Sunday Chidzambwa says that while it would be good for the team to move up the rankings, their lowly rating will not have an effect on the outcome of their quest to make it to the next AFCON finals.

The veteran coach, whose men lead Group G, says what matters is how his troops will battle on the two days in question in back-to-back matches against the DRC.

A number of lowly-ranked nations showed the way when they posted some good results against the traditional giants in the last round of qualifiers.

Madagascar found a way to stand toe-to-toe with the Lions of Teranga as the two teams drew 2-2 on the Indian Ocean island.

Comoros, who are one of the lightweights in the game, also surprised many with a gritty performance at home to hold Cameroon to a goalless draw.