By Ibrahim Karim Bangura (Tanko)
Sierra Leone’s national women’s football team, the Sierra Queens has dropped 141 position in the latest FIFA women’s world rankings.
This stagnant ranking reflects the Queens’ lack of participation in international competitions since August 2023 due to funding constraints.
While other teams are afflicted up points through 126 international matches played worldwide during the ranking period (August 2023 to 2024), the Queens lost a small amount of ground, dropping to a 0.02 points from their previous score.
Despite the lack of recent activity, they remain better in within the Manor River Union (MRU) as compared to neighboring Guinea and Liberia, and 15 other Africa countries.
Meanwhile, several teams across the continent made significant progress. World Cup debutantes, Morocco enjoyed the biggest leap, thus climbing to a stunning 20 position to 58th place. South Africa also appreciated a position of joy as they rise to an impressive 9 spot to 45th.
And Nigeria has retained its position as Africa’s top team, climbing 8 place to 32nd globally. Zambia Copper Queens are fortunate to mount the ladder, moving from 77th to 69th.
Nonetheless, on the global stage, Sweden who secured bronze at the recent FIFA World Cup, has scaled the top spot in the overall ranking.