Ghana opponents Egypt reach Africa's top five in FIFA world rankings

Ghana's opponents in the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Egypt, have risen into the top five countries in Africa in the latest FIFA ranking, showing that they will provide the biggest threat to the Black Stars.

The Black Stars will take on the Pharaohs in the qualifiers for the competition in Russia and with the progress Egypt is making they will prove to be the stumbling block for Ghana.

The group consists Congo and Uganda but the progress Egypt is making in recent times under new talented players must be a source of concern for Ghana.

Ghana moved up one spot to 36th in the latest world rankings, released by FIFA on Thursday and Egypt jumped to occupy the 43rd place.

The Pharaohs rise in the FIFA's global rankings of national teams in July, two places up, was secured thanks to their win over Tanzania.

Egypt, who have already secured a place in the 2017 African Cup of Nations finals, defeated Tanzania 2-0 in the tournament's qualifiers in June.

Egypt are fifth continentally and second among Arab countries after Algeria.

The Black Stars maintained their third position in Africa with Algeria, Ivory Coast, Senegal and Egypt completing the top five on the continent.

Argentina remain number one globally, ahead of Belgium, Colombia, World Cup holders Germany, Copa America champions Chile and Euro 2016 winners Portugal.

World top 10: Argentina, Belgium, Colombia, Germany, Chile, Portugal, France, Spain, Brazil, Italy.

Africa top 10: Algeria, Ivory Coast, Ghana, Senegal, Egypt, Tunisia, Cameroon, Morocco, DR Congo, Mali.