Harambee Stars’ highest and lowest ever FIFA rankings

Harambee Stars Head Coach Sebastian Migne instructs players during training [Courtesy]

Just before the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), Kenyans celebrated moving up in International Federation of Association Football  (FIFA) rankings.

This is after the national team Harambee Stars benefited from a fine run of form towards the AFCON finals, beating Ghana in the process and climbing three places in the rankings released by the World football governing body FIFA on Friday, June 14, 2019.

The team occupied position 105 after earning 1207 points.

Just over a month later, they have dropped two places to position 107 after losing six points from their previous tally in the recent rankings that were released on Wednesday, July 25 2019.

In the continent though, they are still in a healthy position as they turn their attention to the upcoming African Nations Championship (CHAN) qualifier against neighbours Tanzania on Sunday.

Since the beginning, Harambee Stars have had ups and downs as far as FIFA rankings are concerned.

The lowest rank

The lowest rank came back in 2007 when they fell to number 137. 

This was perhaps due to the wrangles surrounding Kenya's football governing body, which saw FIFA suspend Kenya from all football-related activities for three months in 2004, due to the interference of government in football activities.

In October 2006, Kenya was suspended again from international football for failing to fulfill a January 2006 agreement made to resolve recurrent problems in their football federation.

The highest rank

Kenya became high flyers in the early 80s propelling them to a 60th place in November 1983. 

This was after the emergence of a golden generation of players like skipper Mahmoud Abbas, Josphat Murila, Bobby Ogolla, Ambrose Ayoyi and Wilberforce Mulamba led by coach Marshall Mulwa. 

Mulwa is arguably the most successful Harambee Stars’ coach statistically, having led them to three CECAFA titles between 1981 and 1983.

If their 2019 AFCON performance is anything to go by, then they are expected to make light work of Tanzania in the two legs placed a week apart as they hope to claw themselves up the FIFA rankings ladder.?