Bafana Bafana drop in latest Fifa world rankings as Kaizer Chiefs star helps Botswana outshine top nations and Nigeria climb up three times

In the concluded October international break, South Africa played back-to-back 2025 Africa Cup of Nations games against Congo Brazzaville.

Bafana Bafana managed a 5-0 win at home before registering a 1-1 draw away in Group K to take their seventh point in the process.

However, the team has not made any positive improvement in the recently released Fifa world rankings. Despite retaining their 11th spot in Africa, Bafana are 60th in the world.

Bafana have not moved in the continent but have dropped globally

Bafana Bafana have not tasted defeat in their last 14 outings across all competitions; they have claimed seven wins and drawn as many matches.

Their next international outing will be on November 11th and 19th when they will complete their 2025 Afcon qualifiers with matches against Uganda Cranes and South Sudan respectively.

Thatayaone Ditlhokwe's Botswana accumulated more points (+38.3) than any other team/country in the world in the FIFA rankings.

This comes after the Kaizer Chiefs defender led the Zebras to back-to-back wins over 72nd-ranked Cape Verde earlier this month. The Zebras moved up from 147th to their new position (140th).

The Super Eagles of Nigeria, who are in the same 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifying group as Bafana, have climbed up three places globally to 36th and they are also fourth in the continent.

Hugo Broos and Bafana Bafana hope to seal their place in the 2025 Afcon with a positive outing in their next game in November.

Wins in their next two games might see the South African National Team gain in the next Fifa rankings.

While Nigeria and Botswana will also qualify for the Afcon finals if they win their next matches in November.