Soccer News of Wednesday, 1 July 2009

Source: bbc

Ivory Coast go top in Africa

Ghana is Fifth
Ivory Coast have overtaken Cameroon as the top team in Africa, matching their highest ever position in the Fifa world rankings.

The Elephants are now 18th in the world, up 20 places on last month.

Elsewhere, African champions Egypt and World Cup hosts South Africa have both moved up two spots.

Ivory Coast's two wins in 2010 World Cup qualifying in the last month have helped them move into the number one position in Africa.

They were also helped by Cameroon's poor performance in the same campaign so far.

The Indomitable Lions suffered a disappointing draw with Morocco and are second in Africa and 29th in the world.

Good performances at the Confederations Cup have seen both Egypt and South Africa improve their rankings.

The Pharaohs may have dropped out of the tournament at the group stage but their win over the reigning world champions Italy gave them plenty of points - they are now 38th in the world and 6th in Africa.

South Africa have moved into 70th position after strong losing performances against Spain and Brazil.

Gabon are also big climbers this month - going up to third in the African rankings and 30th overall, thanks to their big win over Togo in 2010 qualifying.

Sierra Leone are the biggest fallers - dropping 40 places to 125th in the world.

Ivory Coast have overtaken Cameroon as the top team in Africa, matching their highest ever position in the Fifa world rankings.

The Elephants are now 18th in the world, up 20 places on last month.

Elsewhere, African champions Egypt and World Cup hosts South Africa have both moved up two spots.

Ivory Coast's two wins in 2010 World Cup qualifying in the last month have helped them move into the number one position in Africa.

They were also helped by Cameroon's poor performance in the same campaign so far.

The Indomitable Lions suffered a disappointing draw with Morocco and are second in Africa and 29th in the world.

Good performances at the Confederations Cup have seen both Egypt and South Africa improve their rankings.

The Pharaohs may have dropped out of the tournament at the group stage but their win over the reigning world champions Italy gave them plenty of points - they are now 38th in the world and 6th in Africa.

South Africa have moved into 70th position after strong losing performances against Spain and Brazil.

Gabon are also big climbers this month - going up to third in the African rankings and 30th overall, thanks to their big win over Togo in 2010 qualifying.

Sierra Leone are the biggest fallers - dropping 40 places to 125th in the world.