Yanga break into Africa’s top 10 clubs in latest IFFHS rankings
Young Africans (Yanga) players during a past match. PHOTO | FILE
What you need to know:
- Yanga secured the ninth position with a total of 99.75 points, surpassing their arch-rivals Simba SC, who are ranked 14th in Africa with 81.25 points as per the IFFHS rankings issued on January 18, this year.
Dar es Salaam. Young Africans (Yanga) have achieved a historic milestone by being ranked among the top 10 football clubs in Africa, according to the latest rankings by the International Federation of Football History & Statistics (IFFHS).
Yanga secured the ninth position with a total of 99.75 points, surpassing their arch-rivals Simba SC, who are ranked 14th in Africa with 81.25 points as per the IFFHS rankings issued on January 18, this year.
The IFFHS rankings also place Yanga at the 207th position in the world, further cementing their status as a growing force in African football. Simba SC, on the other hand, are ranked 282nd globally.
This ranking serves as a testament to Yanga's recent achievements in domestic and continental competitions, reflecting their consistent performances and strategic growth in African football.
At the pinnacle of the African club rankings is Egypt's Al Ahly, who have accumulated an impressive 229.5 points. Al Ahly also hold the 54th position in the world, showcasing their dominance in the African football landscape. Their compatriots, Zamalek FC, are placed second in Africa with 166 points and are ranked 79th in the world.
Pyramids FC, another Egyptian club, are ranked third in Africa with 144 points and hold the 99th position globally. RS Berkane of Morocco follow closely in fourth place with 130.75 points and are ranked 131st in the world. The rankings highlight the dominance of North African clubs, with Egyptian and Moroccan teams occupying most of the top spots.
Tunisian giants Esperance are placed fifth in Africa with 120 points, holding the 155th position in the world. FAR Rabat of Morocco follow in sixth place with 112.5 points, ranking 174th globally. Raja Club Athletic, also from Morocco, are seventh with 105 points and hold the 193rd spot in the world rankings.
South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns are ranked eighth in Africa with 100.5 points and are positioned 205th in the world. Completing the top 10 is Algeria’s CR Belouizdad, who have amassed 93 points and are ranked 225th globally.
Beyond the top 10, Al Masry of Egypt are ranked 11th in Africa with 86.25 points, followed by MC Alger of Algeria with 85 points in 12th place. Angola’s Atletico de Luanda are 13th with 84.5 points, while Simba SC of Tanzania are 14th with 81.25 points.
The rankings reflect the ongoing competition and growth of African club football, with Tanzanian clubs, like Yanga and Simba, making significant strides to challenge the traditional North African dominance.
Yanga’s rise into the top 10 is a result of their impressive performances in the CAF Champions League and other continental competitions, highlighting their ambition of becoming a powerhouse in African football.
As Yanga continue to climb the rankings, their focus will be on maintaining consistency, improving their squad depth, and competing at the highest level in continental tournaments. The club’s leadership and fans will be hopeful that this achievement marks the beginning of sustained success on the African football stage.
