Antigua's Benna Boys celebrate at the Antigua Recreational Ground in St John's. Photo: Provided

The Rankings, published yesterday October 23, 2014, placed Antigua & Barbuda at 70th in the world, seventh in CONCACAF and second in the Caribbean Football Union (CFU). The Benna Boys are bettered only by Trinidad & Tobago’s Soca Warriors who rocketed 37 places to 49th in the world and fourth in CONCACAF. The Trinidadians are now number one in CFU.

President of the Antigua & Barbuda Football Association (ABFA), Everton “Batow” Gonsalves, said the continued progress is no shock to the organisation.

“It is not surprising although I am exceedingly happy because this is exactly what we were elected to do and just looking at what you (Jojo) have said in the past that we are strong in the board room but not on the field, it clarifies now that not only are we strong in the board room but that we are strong on the field of play also and it’s also about, not talk, but action because action speaks louder than words,” he said.

The former national striker went on to thank those who would have worked towards Antigua & Barbuda achieving the latest accomplishment.

The VI dropped down to 203 out of 208, with only Anguilla from the Region having a lower position (207).Dominican Republic moved up 27 places to 80 on the Rakings wile Haiti (93), St Vincent & the Grenadines (105) and St Kitts & Nevis (115) have all seen positive movements. Jamaica have however slipped 13 places to 113.

World champions Germany maintained their status at the top of the Rankings with Argentina, Columbia, Belgium and Netherlands rounding off the top five.

The next FIFA Rankings will be published on November 27, 2014.