3 March 2011
MTNFootball.com last year introduced a new rankings system for African nations whereby we take into account only the teams’ most recent matches to determine who is the best on the continent!
Unlike the FIFA World Rankings, we take current form into account and position the countries based on their performances in recent months, compiling a list of our top 10 sides on the continent in order of ranking.
Rather than using complicated mathematics that takes in meaningless matches over the past two years, we look at squad composition, current form of star players and recent results to determine an accurate picture of the best sides in Africa!
Here are the latest rankings ahead of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the end of March:
1. COTE DIVOIRE
Last result: Cote d’Ivoire 1-0 Mali
Previous position: 1 (no change)
There is nothing to suggest that Cote d’Ivoire has lost their mantle as our top side, they beat Mali last time out in February and their players continue to excel in Europe. They still look the most complete unit.
2. GHANA
Last result: Ghana 4-0 Togo
Previous position: 2 (no change)
Ghana have not had the greatest form since the 2010 FIFA World Cup but they bounced back with an excellent victory over Togo last month. With new coach Goran Stevanovic now in charge, these are exciting times for the Black Stars.
3. SENEGAL
Last result: Senegal 3-1 Guinea
Previous position: 3 (no change)
Senegal were excellent in 2010 and they continued that fine form in 2011 with a 3-1 victory over high-flying Guinea in February. After a few years on the doldrums, Senegal football is on the rise again and they are one of the most exciting teams on the continent at present.
4. SOUTH AFRICA
Last result: South Africa 2-0 Kenya
Previous position: 4 (no change)
South Africa have started life under new coach Pitso Mosimane well and they completed a routine 2-0 win over Kenya last time out, though the scoreline might have been much higher for the home side. They are certainly a vastly improved side from two years ago.
5. CAMEROON
Last result: Macedonia 0-1 Cameroon
Previous position: 5 (no change)
Cameroon recorded a decent 1-0 away victory over Macedonia last month and the form of their European-based players means they retain their position in the top half of the table.
6. GABON
Last result: DR Congo 0-2 Gabon
Previous position: 7 (+1)
Gabon move up a place after a fine 2-0 away victory over DR Congo as they continue to build for the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations which they will co-host with Equatorial Guinea.
7. EGYPT
Last result: Egypt 3-1 Uganda
Previous position: 6 (-1)
Egypt were inactive in February, though they did do well to win the Nile Bason Trophy against a few weakened regional rivals in January. The revolution that swept the country means football had came to a halt for a period which can only have a detrimental effect on the national team.
8. NIGERIA
Last result: Nigeria 2-1 Sierra Leone
Previous position: 9 (+1)
Nigeria beat Sierra Leone 2-1 in a friendly in February, the first match under new coach Samson Siasia. They looked an improved side, but have some way to go to rediscover former glories.
9. GUINEA
Last result: Senegal 3-0 Guinea
Previous position: 8 (-1)
Guinea were comprehensively beaten in their friendly with Senegal last month and have slipped a place in our rankings, but remain a very good side. Expect them to bounce back.
10. BOTSWANA
Last result: Mozambique 1-1 Botswana
Previous position: 10 (no change)
Botswana were held to a 1-1 draw by Mozambique last time out but retain their Top 10 place due to their excellent competitive form last year. They are a country on the rise.
