Bafana Bafana Stay in Place After Fifa Rankings Published, While Senegal Continues Soaring After AFCON Triumph

• Bafana Bafana will have to make do with remaining in 68th position on the planet, and 13th on the African continent
• FIFA today released its monthly world rankings, which South Africa could not influence having not qualified for the 2021 African Cup of Nations
• New African champions Senegal cemented their number one position on the continent, and moved up to a lofty 18th on the planet

South Africa's men's national team did not move up or down in the latest publication of FIFA's monthly rankings.

Bafana Bafana could not do much about this though, as they had no opportunity to climb up having not qualified for the recent 2021 African Cup of Nations tournament in Cameroon.

As reported by Kick Off, Bafana is the 68th highest-ranked team in the world, while also sitting at number 13 on the African continent.

New African champions Senegal maintained their top position on the continent, but are now a very lofty 18th on the planet, as report on Goal.com. Their vanquished opponents Egypt are up to 34th in the FIFA rankings and fourth on CAF's version.

Gambia coach Tom Saintfiet names the nation he thinks will win 2021 AFCON title

Football

In news that will please local football fans, Ghana dropped down the rankings after a disappointing campaign at AFCON 2021. Ghana dropped to 61st Black Stars' abysmal display at the Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon, as reported by Sports Brief.

Nigeria remained in third place in Africa, but moved up four places on the FIFA rankings to number 36, having been knocked out of AFCON by Tunisia in the Last 16. Surprisingly, the latter dropped six places to 36th in the world, and remained fifth in Africa despite defeating Nigeria and going to the quarterfinals.

Bafana Bafana aim high, get fixture against world champions France

South Africa's lowly ranking clearly did not deter the very best nation on the planet.

As reported on Sports Brief, Bafana Bafana will be put through the ultimate test as they take on world champions France in an international friendly set for March. The South African Football Association had been looking for two high profile opponents for the international fixture window later that month.

This was to make up for missing out on the win-and-you're-in 2022 FIFA World Cup qualifying playoffs in the CAF zone to be held that week.