Sierra Leone: Nation Makes Rapid Move in Fifa Ranking – the Highest Since 1997

Concord Times (Freetown)

30 June 2011

Freetown — Sierra Leone has made a heady progress in the world football governing body, FIFA monthly ranking, moving 23 places up from 118 to 95. This is the country’s highest position so far since 1997 and 1996 when it was ranked 83th.

It is the third consecutive movement by Sierra Leone in the world ladder since April. Last month the country moved three places up from 121 to 118. This month’s impressive climb can be attributed to the national team, Leone Stars’ latest improvement in the 2012 African Nations Cup qualifiers after defeating Niger 1-0 in Freetown earlier this month.

Sierra Leone has not only made progress in the world ladder but also in the continental standings, moving six places up from 30 to 24, and now sitting above Sudan, Niger, Gambia, Mozambique and Togo respectively.

At the world stage, Sierra Leone now sits above Iraq, New Zealand and Macedonia respectively.

Sierra Leone Football Association (SLFA) media officer, Sorie Ibrahim Sesay said the move is welcome news for all Sierra Leoneans, especially football loving fans.

“This is good for football in the country and it shows that the national team is doing well,” he said. “According to a latest correspondence from CAF, if we maintain our current position we will be exempted from playing the 2014 World Cup preliminary qualifying match.”

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