Bafana Bafana have continued their rise in the FIFA rankings after moving up to 49th in the world following their emphatic 5-0 victory over Eritrea on Wednesday evening.
Pitso Mosimane’s side entered the international window ranked 54th before their two matches, but victories over Guinea and Eritrea have now lifted South Africa five places in the provisional live rankings.
The latest move sees Bafana overtake Czechia and return to 49th, a position they last occupied in October 2011 during Mosimane’s first spell as head coach.
The ranking remains provisional, with FIFA’s next official update scheduled for October 7. FIFA notes that its live rankings are unofficial until the relevant matches have been approved as international A matches.
The latest climb comes after Bafana followed up their 2-1 victory over Guinea with a commanding performance against Eritrea in Cairo.
Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice, while Luther Singh, Sphephelo Sithole and Iqraam Rayners were also on the scoresheet as South Africa claimed a second successive victory under Mosimane.
The six points have also given Bafana a strong start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.
Speaking after the win, Mosimane was pleased with the result but acknowledged that Eritrea had threatened his team early in the contest.
“We’re happy with five goals, we’re happy with three points, Eritrea started good, started strong, had a chance, hit the crossbar, and their number 10, Ali, was very dangerous, he scores a lot of goals here in Egypt,” Mosimane said.
“He’s very important to look after and yeah, we saw Eritrea play against Kenya, they were leading and Kenya equalised late, so we had to give them the respect they deserve, I am happy we won, which is most important, two games, six points and some goals.
“Good performance from our boys, they showed respect also – they showed respect to opponents and played proper football, but yeah, Alhamdulillah, we won the match and we’re happy.”
The result means South Africa have now combined six points with a healthy goal return at the start of their AFCON qualifying campaign, while their FIFA ranking has continued to improve.
Bafana’s next assignment will be another fixture in Egypt, with Mosimane’s team set to face the hosts in an international friendly at Cairo International Stadium.
South Africa’s rise to 49th also marks a notable milestone for Mosimane, who was in charge when Bafana last reached the position nearly 15 years ago.