Bafana Bafana climb in the FIFA Rankings after Guinea win

Bafana Bafana have climbed to 52nd in the FIFA Rankings following their 2-1 win over Guinea on Saturday.

South Africa were ranked 54th after their impressive 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, with the victory over Guinea marking their first match since a 1-0 defeat to Canada.

With Hugo Broos having departed, Pitso Mosimane began his second stint as Bafana Bafana head coach with a winning start.

Ime Okon opened the scoring for South Africa before Guinea hit back through Seydouba Cisse in the 67th minute. Substitute Samukelo Kabini then scored with 12 minutes remaining to secure all three points for Bafana.

The victory also gave South Africa a winning start to their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign.

Bafana will next face Eritrea on Wednesday, with another victory potentially seeing them break into the top 50 of the FIFA Rankings.

Mosimane will be hoping to build on the positive start as South Africa look to strengthen their position in the AFCON qualifying group. A strong ranking could also prove beneficial when the draw for next year’s continental showpiece is made, should Bafana qualify.

South Africa currently sit top of their qualifying group after their opening victory over Guinea.

Bafana improve their rankings

With Eritrea and Egypt still to play, Mosimane will look to rotate his players. The likes of Teboho Mokoena and Ime Okon played a full 90 minutes and might be given a rest in the next match.

In attack, Puso Dithejane and Shandre Campbell might be given a run.

Will Bafana win all their qualifiers?