Bafana Bafana have moved another step higher in the FIFA world rankings following their emphatic 5-0 victory over Eritrea in Cairo.
South Africa entered the latest international window ranked 50th in the world after a 2-1 win over Guinea. The victory against Eritrea has now lifted Pitso Mosimane’s side one place further, with Bafana sitting 49th in the latest rankings.
Mofokeng Leads Bafana’s Eritrea Rout
Bafana produced another dominant performance against Eritrea, with Relebohile Mofokeng scoring twice.
Luther Singh, Sphephelo Sithole and Iqraam Rayners were also on target as South Africa secured a comfortable five-goal victory.
The result also strengthened Bafana’s position in their AFCON qualifying group, taking them to six points. Two more victories could potentially be enough to secure qualification for next year’s tournament, depending on results elsewhere.
South Africa Overtake Czechia
The latest movement sees Bafana climb above Czechia in the FIFA rankings.
South Africa had already made gains after beating Guinea 2-1, with Ime Okon and Samukele Kabini finding the net in that encounter.
The Eritrea result could lead to another improvement when the next official ranking update is released, although that will also depend on results involving teams positioned around Bafana.
Egypt Friendly Next
Bafana will have little time to celebrate their latest win, with Egypt next on the schedule.
Mosimane’s squad is set to face the Pharaohs in an international friendly at Cairo International Stadium, giving the team another opportunity to collect ranking points.
South Africa’s most recent meeting with Egypt came at the AFCON in December last year, when Mohamed Salah scored from the penalty spot to give Egypt a 1-0 victory.
With Bafana now sitting 49th in the world, another positive result against Egypt could add further momentum to their recent run and potentially influence their next FIFA ranking position.
