FIFA Rankings: Bafana Bafana continue their rise after Eritrea win

Bafana Bafana continued their rise in the FIFA rankings after securing a 5-0 convincing victory, this time against Eritrea in Cairo on Wednesday evening.

A brace from Relebohile Mofokeng, combined with goals from Luther Singh, Sphephelo Sithole and Iqraam Rayners, helped Pitso Mosimane’s side claim a dominant win and maintain their strong run of form.

The victory takes Bafana Bafana to six points in their AFCON qualifying group, with two more wins potentially enough to secure their place at next year’s tournament.

South Africa had already made progress in the FIFA rankings after defeating Guinea 2-1 at home earlier this week. Goals from Ime Okon and Samukele Kabini earned Bafana all three points and helped them climb to 50th in the FIFA World Rankings.

Bafana will now have four days to recover before returning to action against Egypt in an international friendly at Cairo International Stadium.

The last meeting between the two sides came at the AFCON in December last year, when Egypt claimed a 1-0 victory. Mohamed Salah scored the decisive goal from the penalty spot in the first half.

Where are Bafana Bafana in the latest FIFA rankings?

Bafana Bafana have climbed one place in the latest FIFA rankings, moving up from 50th in the world to 49th. According to provisional rankings, Pitso’s men overtake Czechia.

Their latest victory over Eritrea could see them climb even further when the next rankings are released should teams above them lose or draw. A positive result against Egypt could provide another boost to their position and further underline South Africa’s recent progress on the international stage.