Thursday, January 17, 2008

GHANA MAINTAINS 8TH POSITION IN AFRICA

Story: Roselind Amoh

Ghana began the new year in the FIFA ranking with their 43rd position unchanged as FIFA released its January rankings yesterday.
As hosts of the 26th edition of the MTN Africa Cup of Nations which opens in 72 hours, Ghana’s Black Stars kick start the competition on Sunday ranked eighth in the world and face a Guinean side that have strived to maintain their fourth position in Africa.
The first rankings of the new year did not see many changes in Africa even though there were significant changes in the overall world rankings.
One of the top seeds for Ghana 2008, the Super Eagles of Nigeria (19) dream of being among the favourites will be buoyed by the top position they occupy on the latest rankings.
Close rivals, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroun (25) also kept their second spot with Guinea (33) remaining in third place.
Egypt (35) will welcome their move to fourth position above Cote d’Ivoire (38) as good news as they have strived to convince pundits that they still are a side to reckon with.
South Africa ranked 17th in the world (78) Benin and Sudan ranked 23rd in Africa but 94th in the world are the only teams attending the Ghana fiesta and who are outside the top 12.
Namibia with a 34th ranking in Africa (119) are the least ranked side who will be participating in the Nations Cup tourney.

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