MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Azkals ended year 2011 at No. 159 in the world.

Based on FIFA's latest rankings, the Philippines did not improve or worsen from its ranking last November.

The Azkals are also ranked No. 29 in Asia, behind Palestine and ahead of India.

Last November, the Philippines dropped a notch, from 158 to 159, following the Junior Azkals’ dismal performance in the Southeast Asian Games in Indonesia.

The Azkals are hoping to improve their standing when they play in the final group of the Asian Football Confederation (AFF) in 2012.