sportskeeda
Desiree Ellis’ Banyana Banyana will conclude 2024 positioned 53rd in the FIFA World Rankings, dropping three spots from their prior ranking of 50th.
In spite of this decline, they maintain the second position in the CAF rankings, following Nigeria, with Morocco and Zambia closely trailing.
The slump in Banyana Banyana’s ranking can be linked to a series of recent defeats. They suffered losses against Denmark (5-0) and England (2-0) in friendly matches. Although the clash with England demonstrated a better performance with the return of key players like Thembi Kgatlana, who scored a goal and created multiple opportunities, the team was unable to secure a victory.
Compounding their issues, two additional defeats to Jamaica (3-0 and 2-0) this month have adversely impacted their ranking.
The next competitive encounter for Banyana Banyana is slated for October 2025, where they will meet the winner of the Botswana-DR Congo match in the CAF zone FIFA Women’s World Cup qualifiers.
Alongside Banyana Banyana’s situation, Bangladesh (132nd, +7, 1097.55 points) and Saudi Arabia (166th, +8, 877.08 points) are climbing the rankings, achieving their highest point totals so far. An additional ten teams are also marking achievements: Poland (1697.07 points), Zambia (1412.37 points), Cambodia (1150.75 points), Namibia (1111.61), Uganda (1028.58), Kenya (1020.22), Pakistan (950.27), Bhutan (866.32), Andorra (773.87), and Madagascar (694.47). Saudi Arabia is particularly pleased to have reached their highest-ever ranking, alongside Northern Ireland (44th, +1) and Cabo Verde (129th, +1).
The next edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola Women’s World Ranking will be published on March 6, 2025.
