Banyana Banyana have suffered a significant setback after dropping massively in the latest FIFA rankings.
This fall comes as a surprise to many, as Banyana had recently qualified for the 2024 WAFCON tournament and finished in the Round of 16 at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The Desiree Ellis‘ charges have dropped seven places to 52nd in the latest FIFA rankings.
After the Women’s World Cup held in Australia and New Zealand, the 2022 CAF WAFCON winners climbed up to 45th place in the world ranking.
South Africa lost twice to the former World Champions USA in friendly matches in September this year. This played a major role in seeing Banyana drop in the FIFA rankings.
OTHER AFRICAN TEAMS IN THE LATEST FIFA RANKINGS
Africa’s leading nation Nigeria also dropped two steps in the latest FIFA rankings from 32nd to 34th place.
Meanwhile, Morocco, Ghana, Cameroon, Zambia, Ivory Coast, Tunisia, Mali, and Equatorial Guinea complete the line-up for Africa’s 10 best national teams in the latest rankings.
The World Champions Spain tops the list followed by the USA who failed to defend their World Cup title. Spain defeated England 1-0 in the World Cup final in August 2022.
This is the first time Spain occupies the top spot, only the third nation ever to top the end-of-year list. The USA and Germany were the only nations that dominated the rankings since the Women’s World rankings were first published back in July 2003.
France are number three followed by England, who remained at fourth place. Sweden, who were previous leaders dropped to fifth.
With South Africa having qualified for the WAFCON tournament, they will be hoping to defend their title and rise on the FIFA World rankings. On the other hand, Ellis’ troops will be hoping to qualify for the 2024 Olympic games.
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