Harambee Stars have moved up two places in the latest FIFA World Rankings, offering fresh encouragement for Kenyan football as the national team continues its rebuilding process under head coach Benni McCarthy.
The latest rankings place Kenya at position 109 globally, up from 111th, following a positive international window that saw the team register strong performances against Lesotho in a two-match friendly series played in Pretoria, South Africa.
The ranking improvement comes after Harambee Stars secured a convincing 4-0 victory over Lesotho in the second match of the series, a result that significantly boosted Kenya’s FIFA points tally and reinforced confidence within the squad.
The first encounter between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw. Kenya had taken an early lead through Frank Odhiambo before Lesotho fought back to level the score in the second half. While the result exposed some weaknesses in game management, it also provided valuable lessons for the technical bench and players.
However, the second match painted a completely different picture as Harambee Stars delivered one of their most impressive performances in recent months. Mohammed Bajaber and Lawrence Okoth each scored twice as Kenya overwhelmed Lesotho with a commanding attacking display.
The emphatic victory highlighted the growing depth within the national team and showcased the impact of tactical adjustments made by the coaching staff. Several players seized the opportunity to impress, with the team demonstrating improved coordination, creativity and confidence in attack.
The positive results have translated into a rise in FIFA ranking points, pushing Kenya closer to breaking into the top 100 nations globally. Although the movement may appear modest, it signals steady progress for a team that has been working to regain consistency on the international stage.
Within the East African region, Kenya now remains among the leading football nations, with only Uganda ranked higher. The latest standings also underline the growing rivalry among East African teams as they continue competing for regional and continental success.
For Benni McCarthy and his technical bench, the focus now shifts to upcoming competitive assignments, including qualification campaigns where results carry even greater significance.
Football analysts believe the recent performances against Lesotho provide a solid foundation for the team as it prepares for future challenges. The improved ranking is expected to boost morale within the squad while giving supporters renewed hope.
As Harambee Stars continue their journey under a new era of leadership, the latest FIFA rankings offer a positive sign that the national team is moving in the right direction and steadily rebuilding its place on the continental and global football stage.
