Football's world governing body FIFA have released the latest World Rankings, with good news for Bafana Bafana that will do their confidence the world of good going into the 2025 AFCON qualifiers.
There has been a wave of optimism surrounding South Africa following their exploits at the Africa Cup of Nations held in Cote d'Ivoire earlier this year, where they grabbed a bronze medal having finished third.
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What's more, Hugo Broos' men appear on track in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, where they opened their account with a 2-1 win over Benin, before succumbing to a surprise 2-0 defeat away to Rwanda on .
However, Bafana somewhat salvaged their pride with a 1-1 draw against Nigeria in Uyo, before triumphing over Zimbabwe to jump to second on the standings, on seven points with both log leaders Rwanda and third-placed Benin.
It seems the latest results have borne fruit in the bigger scheme of things, with Mzansi's senior national team now having moved from 59th to 57th in the latest FIFA World Rankings.
In addition, Bafana occupy 10th spot among the African nations, cementing their spot among the big boys of African football.
The latest developments will be welcome news ahead of the 2025 AFCON qualifiers, which are set to begin in September and be wrapped up by November this year.
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Broos' men have been drawn against Uganda, Congo-Brazzaville and South Sudan in their quest to qualify for the showpiece to be held in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January the following year.
Morocco are the top-ranked African nation, followed by Senegal, Egypt, Cote d'Ivoire and Nigeria in the top five.