Malawi climbs 14 places on latest FIFA rankings

The Malawi National Football Team have moved 14 places up on the latest FIFA rankings released on Wednesday, ahead of Friday’s friendly clash with Zambia’s Chipolopolo.

The Flames are now on position 93 from 107 in the world, and on 24 in Africa ahead of teams likes like Zimbabwe, Togo, Mozambique, Botswana, Kenya and DR Congo.

Ivory Coast continues to top teams in Africa, while Spain European champions, remain the number one team in the world. Italy goes up six places to sixth.

The number two in Africa is Ghana with Algeria, Libya, Mali and Zambia following in order.

Malawi coach, Kinnah Phiri has described the ranking as “true reflection” to the Flames recent performance in the Africa Cup of Nations and World Cup qualifiers.

The Flames drew 0-0 to Kenya before another 1-1 draw with Nigeria in the World Cup qualifiers while in the Africa Cup of Nations they managed to oust Chad.

“This will make us to work more extra harder in our next friendly matches starting with Zambia’s match on Friday,” Phiri told Nyasa times.

Zambia has brought with two foreign based players in their squad to face the Flames, while their counterparts have assembled locally based players.

Phiri stressed that he selected locally based players in order to give them a chance to prove.

“Since l took over as the Flames coach, it has been my ambition to give locally based players a chance to play for the national team,” said Phiri.

Some of the notable faces , who are in camp for the Zambia game include, Foster ‘Zagaf’ Namwera, player of the moment, Joseph ‘Shakira’ Kamwendo, Chimango Kayira, Amadu Ali, Richard Chipuwa, Charles Swini, Gabadin Mhango, Peter ‘Pido’ Pindani and George Nyirenda.