Bafana Bafana has dropped out of the top 10 in Africa in the latest FIFA rankings released on Thursday, 19 September 2024. The team’s recent performances in the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers have contributed to this decline.
Bafana currently sits at 11th place in Africa and 59th globally, a drop of two spots from their previous ranking. This slide comes after two less-than-stellar results in their recent AFCON qualifying matches.
Missed Opportunities and Criticism
First, the team was held to a disappointing 2-2 draw by Uganda at home. Despite a late equalizer by debutant Thalente Mbatha, the result was seen as a missed opportunity to secure three crucial points.
Following this, Bafana Bafana secured a hard-fought 3-2 victory over South Sudan in an away match. While the win was positive, the team’s performance was criticized, particularly their struggles against the physically imposing South Sudanese players.
Impact on Rankings and Coach’s Response
These results have impacted Bafana Bafana‘s ranking, highlighting the competitive nature of African football and the importance of consistent performances in international competitions.
Head coach Hugo Broos has acknowledged the team’s recent challenges and has emphasized the need for improvement in upcoming matches. He remains optimistic about the team’s potential. There is hope Bafana can regain its position among Africa’s top 10 teams.
Looking Ahead
Bafana Bafana’s next AFCON qualifying match is against Congo, and the team will be eager to deliver a convincing performance to boost their ranking and secure their place in the 2024 AFCON tournament.
FIFA Rankings: Africa Top 10
- Morocco (14 world)
- Senegal (21)
- Egypt (31)
- Ivory Coast (33)
- Tunisia (36)
- Nigeria (39)
- Algeria (41)
- Cameroon (53)
- Mali (54)
- DR Congo (58)
Related article: FIFA Rankings in Africa: Bafana Bafana Soars into Top 10! Morocco Retains 1st position