The Sasol-sponsored Banyana Banyana moved a massive nine places from 54th in the world to 45th – their highest ever – following their impressive showing at the recently-ended 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
This was after the Desiree Ellis-coached side reached the Round of 16 in the competition for the first time, testament to #LiveTheImpossible.
In their maiden World Cup appearance in France four years ago, they lost all three matches.
But at the latest edition of the competition, the African Champions played four games at the tournament and walked away with four points – after winning one (3-2 vs Italy), drawing one (2-2 vs Argentina), and lost to Sweden (2-1) and the Netherlands (2-0).
When the women’s rankings started in 2003, Banyana Banyana were 62nd and their lowest ranking was 74th back in 2007, a clear indication that #NotDoneYet.
South Africa’s highest ranking before the latest release was 48th in 2018.
SOUTH AFRICA’S RANKINGS HISTORY:
RECENT RANKING: 45
AVERAGE RANKING: 59
HIGHEST RANKING: 48
LOWEST RANKING: 74
There was also good news for the African continent – with World Cup debutants Morocco the biggest movers in the latest rankings. The North Africans, who began the tournament as the second-lowest ranked team among the 32 countries that played in Australia and New Zealand, jumped 14 places – from 78 to 58th.
This also comes at the back of two wins in the groups stages to also rewrite the history book by qualifying for the last 16 for the first time.
The Super Falcons of Nigeria missed out slightly on the top 30, moving eight spots to 32nd place (from 40th). They also made the second round of the World Cup.
The West African country remains the top-ranked African nation.
Other World Cup debutants, Zambia, also made a significant leap (eight places) from 69 to 77th.
On the continent, South Africa is second, Cameroon third, with Ghana and Cote d’Ivoire in the top five.
Completing the top 10 are Equatorial Guinea, Morocco, Tunisia, Zambia and Algeria.
FIFA Women’s World Rankings – CAF:
- Nigeria (30 in the world)
- South Africa (45)
- Cameroon (56)
- Morocco (58)
- Ghana (59)
- Cote d’Ivoire (66)
- Zambia (69)
- Tunisia (76)
- Equatorial Guinea (79)
- Algeria (80)
Meanwhile, 2019 World Champions the USA have fallen out of the top two for the first time since 2003 – when the Women’s Rankings started. They dropped two places to third place after leading the standings for over six years since 2017.
Sweden, who are yet to win a World Cup, are now top of the table for the first time – two places up from the third spot.
2023 winners, Spain, are second after winning six of their seven matches at the World Cup enroute to lifting the coveted trophy – they started the tournament in sixth place.
England and France didn’t from their fourth and fifth spots, despite the former being 2023 Women’s World Cup runners up and 2022 European Champions.
Germany are now sixth (from second), followed by the Netherlands, Japan, Brazil and Canada in the top 10.
FIFA WORLD RANKINGS:
- Sweden
- Spain
- USA
- England
- France
- Germany
- Netherlands
- Japan
- Brazil
- Canada
By Matlhomola Morake
