
Egypt's Mohamed El-Nenny, left, and Tunisia's Ferjani Sassi, right, run for the ball during their Africa Cup of Nations group G qualifying soccer match in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014 (AP)
Despite the big win over Chad and topping their group in the CAN 2017 qualifiers, Egypt fell two positions to 51 in the FIFA global football rankings for October after placing 49 last month.
The Pharaohs, winners of a record seven African Cup of Nations (CAN) trophies, are in Group G of the 2017 African Cup of Nations qualifiers as they recently defeated Chad 5-1 away from home.
Egypt have now moved to the top of the group with six points following two wins from as many games, as major rivals Nigeria are two points behind following their 0-0 draw with Tanzania.
The seven-time African Champions, Egypt have failed to reach Africa's showpiece three times in a row, the first time they have missed at least two consecutive tournaments since failing to qualify for the 1965 and 1968 CAN.
Egypt made it into the world's top 10 after winning three successive African Cup of Nations trophies, in 2006, 2008, and 2010.
Algeria are still leading the African nations in 19th place, ahead of Ivory Coast (21), Ghana (25), Tunisia (36) and Senegal (38).
Argentina topped the FIFA global ranking as Germany climbed one position to place second while Belgium placed third.
FIFA world ranking (September position in parentheses):
1. Argentina (1)
2. Germany (3)
3. Belgium (2)
4. Portugal (6)
5. Colombia (4)
6. Spain (11)
7. Brazil (5)
8. Wales (9)
9. Chile (8)
10. England (10)
Top five African teams:
19. Algeria (19)
21. Ivory Coast (21)
25. Ghana (27)
36. Tunisia (33)
38. Senegal (38)
Top five Arab teams:
19. Algeria (19)
36. Tunisia (33)
51. Egypt (49)
70. United Arab Emirates (70)
80. Morocco (85)
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