According to the monthly ranking published by FIFA, Nepal has dropped one spot below to 181 while Bhutan has leapfrogged 46 spots up to 163. Bhutan's heroic win over Sri Lanka in the Preliminary Joint Qualification for FIFA World Cup 2018 and AFC Cup 2019 resulted in the giant stride of Bhutan.The best ranking Nepal achieved so far was during 1993 December when Nepal achieved 124th rankings. Similarly, 188th ranking achieved in 2008 is worst ever position of Nepal. The current ranking is the best ever ranking of Bhutan in the FIFA.
Bhutan had overcome Sri Lanka 1-0 in the away match played in Colombo and 2-1 in home match in Thimphu on March 12 and 17 respectively. Unlike Bhutan, Nepal had gone down 2-0 against India in away match and played goalless draw in the home match at Dasharath Stadium.
Afghanistan that moved two spots up to 135th is top among the South Asian nations. However, Afghanistan has pulled out from South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) and joined Central Asia Football Federation.
Maldives is top among SAFF members with 141 ranking, followed by India (147) which jumped 26 spots up. Bangladesh stands 167th, Pakistan 172nd and Sri Lanka hits the bottom among SAFF members at 186th.
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