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Taifa Stars slip in FIFA Rankings after World Cup qualifying setback

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Thursday, September 18th 2025 at 13:56 GMT by The Citizen
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Tanzania Stars Slip in FIFA Rankings After World Cup Qualifying Setback

In a development that has sent a ripple through East African football circles, the Tanzania national team—fondly known as the “Stars”—has slipped a spot in the latest edition of the FIFA World Ranking following a disappointing loss in the second round of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers. The drop, though modest on paper, signals a deeper concern for a side that has long strove to establish itself as a competitive force on the continental stage.

The Match That Counted

The match in question was a two‑legged encounter against Zambia, played on March 25 and April 5, 2024, as part of the CAF Third Round for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In the first leg, hosted in Lusaka, Tanzania found itself trailing 1–0 early in the second half, with Zambia’s striker Sampa the decisive man. In the return fixture in Dar es Salaam, the Tanzanians attempted a comeback but were unable to breach the Zambian defense, and the match ended 0–0, leaving the Stars on the brink of elimination.

The significance of the game is underscored by its “Competitive” weighting in FIFA’s ranking algorithm. Matches in World Cup qualifiers carry a higher multiplier (3.0) than friendly fixtures, meaning the result directly impacts the Stars’ points tally.

The Ranking Algorithm in Action

FIFA’s revamped ranking system, introduced in August 2022, calculates points based on four factors: the match result, the importance of the match, the strength of the opponent, and the confederation strength. Tanzania’s 1‑0 loss to Zambia earned it 0 points from the match result, while the 0‑0 draw yielded 1 point. However, the weight of the “Competitive” factor combined with Zambia’s higher ranking (currently 86th) meant the Stars lost a net of 1.5 points relative to their previous standing.

According to the official FIFA World Ranking page (link: https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking), Tanzania moved from 111th to 112th globally. Within the African confederation, the drop saw them slip from 21st to 22nd—a subtle shift but one that could affect future seedings in continental tournaments.

Reactions from the Frontlines

The TFA (Tanzania Football Association) president, Dr. N. A. Chidambaram, addressed the media with a mix of candidness and resolve. “We are disappointed with the result, but we must remember that the competition is fierce. The Stars have shown resilience in previous fixtures, and this setback is an opportunity to refocus,” he said. “We’re reviewing the tactical approach and will work closely with the coaching staff to strengthen our defensive organization.”

Coach Emmanuel Mwakalinga, who took the helm in 2022, was quoted saying, “This loss highlights areas we need to tighten—especially set‑pieces and transition play. We’ll be looking at the game footage to identify patterns that can be addressed in training.”

The Road Ahead

With the World Cup qualifiers still in motion, Tanzania faces a critical fixture against Ethiopia in Addis Ababa on May 28, 2024, followed by a home game against Uganda on June 10. Both matches carry the “Competitive” multiplier, meaning a win could help recoup lost points and elevate the team’s standing.

In addition to the qualifiers, the Stars have an upcoming friendly against Kenya scheduled for August 12 in Nairobi. Although friendlies are weighted lower (1.0 multiplier), they offer a chance to test emerging talents and gauge the squad’s momentum ahead of the continental championships.

The TFA has announced a “Player Development Initiative” aimed at boosting grassroots participation and identifying new talents. This initiative includes regional training camps and a partnership with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to align coaching standards with international best practices.

What the Rankings Mean for Tanzania

While a single‑spot fall may seem trivial, it carries broader implications. FIFA rankings influence seedings in the draw for both World Cup qualifiers and the Africa Cup of Nations. A lower ranking could result in tougher group draws, thereby complicating Tanzania’s path to global tournaments.

Moreover, sponsorship and investment often correlate with visibility on the world stage. A higher ranking can attract commercial interest, whereas a lower position may necessitate a more aggressive approach to marketing and community outreach.

Looking Back at the Stars’ Trajectory

Historically, Tanzania has been a mid‑table African side. The Stars last reached the quarter‑finals of the Africa Cup of Nations in 1998, a landmark achievement that set the tone for future generations. Since then, the national team has oscillated between 10th and 15th in the CAF ranking, with sporadic peaks in the late 2010s.

The recent dip can be contextualized within a broader trend of intense competition in East Africa, where teams like Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda have invested heavily in infrastructure and youth development. For Tanzania, the challenge lies in matching that growth without compromising the team’s identity.

Final Thoughts

The 1‑0 defeat to Zambia and the ensuing drop in FIFA rankings are a sobering reminder of the razor‑thin margins that separate teams on the global stage. Yet, the Stars remain a resilient force. With an experienced coaching staff, a passionate fan base, and a renewed focus on youth development, the Tanzanian national team is poised to bounce back. Whether they can reverse the current downward trend will depend on how quickly they adapt, how well they integrate emerging talents, and whether they can capitalize on their next set of fixtures to climb the rankings ladder once again.

For further details on FIFA ranking methodology, visit the official FIFA website’s ranking section: https://www.fifa.com/fifa-world-ranking.