
Egypt's players celebrate after defeating Zimbabwe in their 2014 World Cup qualifying soccer match at Borg El Arab "Army Stadium" March 26, 2013.(Photo: Reuters )
The 2-0 friendly victory over Bosnia-Herzegovina on 5 March moved Egypt up 12 places to 26th in the FIFA monthly ranking issued on Thursday.
The debut win for new coach Shawki Gharib against a World Cup contender gave Egypt their highest ranking since January 2011 when they were tenth.
The climb was helped by the devaluation of last year’s defeat by Qatar.
Egypt were the biggest points earner in March, gaining 61 points.
The seven-time African Champions are now third in the African ranking after Ivory Coast (24) and Algeria (25).
Spain, Germany, Argentina, Portugal and Colombia remain unchanged in the top five spots.
Summary:
Leader: Spain (unchanged)
Moves into top 10: Belgium (10th, 1 up)
Moves out of top 10: Netherlands (11th, 1 down)
Matches played in total: 67
Most matches played: Iran, Iraq, Jamaica, Lebanon, Lesotho, Malaysia, Philippines, Swaziland (2 matches each)
Biggest move by points: Egypt (61 points)
Biggest move by rank: Vietnam (18 ranks)
Biggest drop by points: Myanmar (down 132 points)
Biggest drop by rank: Myanmar (down 43 rank)
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