Johannesburg – Bafana Bafana have climbed two places to 85th in the latest Fifa world rankings, released on Thursday, on the eve of the Africa Cup of Nations.
South Africa, who face Cape Verde Islands in the Afcon opener in Johannesburg on Saturday, played two friendly internationals during the ranking period, defeating Malawi 3-1 and drawing 0-0 with Algeria.
Bafana also rose one position to 22nd among African nations, but they will enter the continental tournament as the lowest ranked team in their group.
Cape Verde, rated 70th in the world, are the highest ranked team in Group A, while Morocco are lying 74th and Angola are 78th.
Spain remain top of the global rankings, and Ivory Coast, lying 14th overall, head the list among African teams. – Sapa