Bafana Bafana has reclaimed its position as one of Africa’s top football nations, breaking into the continent’s top 10 for the first time in nine years. This resurgence comes after a stellar performance in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers, propelling them to 57th in the latest FIFA/Coca-Cola World Rankings and 10th in Africa. This marks their best global ranking since February 2015, when they stood at 56th.
Impressive Afcon Campaign Drives Success
Bafana’s leap from 60th to 57th in the world rankings was powered by a remarkable Afcon qualification run. Despite a rocky start with a loss to Mali in their opening Group E match, South Africa went on an unbeaten 12-game streak. Their Afcon journey ended in heartbreak after a semi-final penalty shootout loss to Nigeria, which FIFA officially records as a draw.
Bafana’s resilience shone in the bronze medal match against the Democratic Republic of Congo. In a gruelling encounter at the Félix Houphouët-Boigny Stadium, South Africa triumphed 6-5 on penalties following a goalless draw. Coach Hugo Broos praised his team’s determination despite fatigue.
“This was an exhausted team today, but they fought until the last second,” said Broos. “Players were on the brink of collapse but never gave up.”
Unbeaten Record and Group K Victory
Bafana extended their unbeaten run to 12 matches with a dominant 3-0 win over South Sudan in Cape Town. This victory secured them the top spot in Group K of the Afcon qualifiers, surpassing their previous record of 11 unbeaten games set between 2011 and 2014.
The 2025 Afcon tournament will kick off on December 21 in Morocco, with the final scheduled for January 18, 2026. Morocco, the host nation, is currently Africa’s highest-ranked team at 14th in the world, followed by Senegal in 18th.
Focus Shifts to 2026 World Cup Qualifiers
With Afcon qualification secured, Bafana Bafana’s attention now turns to the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Their campaign began positively in November 2023 with a 2-1 win over Benin, followed by a loss to Rwanda, a draw with Nigeria away, and a victory over Zimbabwe in June.
Bafana is currently tied at the top of Group C with Rwanda and Benin, each sitting on seven points after four matches. Their next fixtures are set for March 2025, with the final group match scheduled for September 2025. Only the nine group winners will earn automatic qualification for the World Cup, set to be co-hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
Nigeria’s Decline: A Boost for Bafana
Bafana’s perennial rivals, the Super Eagles of Nigeria, have struggled, failing to win any of their World Cup qualifiers. With three draws and one loss, Nigeria languishes near the bottom of Group C, sitting on three points. Their world ranking has also taken a hit, dropping eight places to 44th.
Conclusion
Bafana Bafana’s return to Africa’s top 10 is a testament to their resilience and determination. As they gear up for the 2025 Afcon and continue their World Cup qualifying campaign, the team has reignited hope for South African football.
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