Thanks certainly to their 3-2 defeat of Ivory Coast in Abidjan during a 2006 World Cup qualifier on September 4, Cameroon have won six places in the FIFA rankings for September.
The spectacular rise to the 22nd position with 688 points on the table, Cameroon regain the first African team position, a title they lost late last year. In August 2005, the Indomitable Lions were ranked 28th with 663 points.
Intricately linked are the six places lost by Ivory Coast. In August they were ranked 44th, but today after losing the crucial World Cup qualifier against Cameron, the Elephants have dropped to the 50th spot. But stand 9th on the continent.
Tunisia, the African Cup of Nations holders and one of the teams hoping to get a place in the 2006 World Cup finals are second to Cameroon on the rankings, concerning Africa.
With 687 points, Tunisia stand 23rd, just a place behind Cameroon, after gaining a magnificent eight place rise.
The Super Eagles of Nigeria won a place to stand 29th, but third on the continent, while Egypt lost five places and the title of first African team to be 31st.
On the world stage, Senegal are 35th after winning five places, while Morocco lost two places to land on the 36th position this September, 2005.
South Africa and Zimbabwe are ahead of Ivory Coast at 7th and 8th position respectively and Togo wrap up the top ten chart in Africa at the 54th position.
Meantime, Brazil stay the number one in the world with 839 points. The Netherlands and Argentina swap places with the Netherlands becoming second and Argentina third.
The Czech Republic and Mexico stay fourth and fifth respectively, while France win three places to stand 6th.
M. ETONGE
