The FIFA rankings for October have been released, and Ivory Coast maintains its position as the top-ranked African team. Togo and Niger have experienced significant progress, making them noteworthy in this month’s rankings. Here’s a summary of the rankings for the 16 countries qualified for the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN):
#image_title Ivory Coast: The Elephants remain the top-ranked team in Africa and are 15th in the world.
- Togo: The Sparrowhawks, who will be returning to the African continental scene next year, have seen a substantial improvement, climbing 20 places. They are now ranked 17th in Africa and 73rd in the world.
- Cape Verde: Despite qualifying for its first CAN, Cape Verde fell 13 places. The Blue Sharks are now ranked 14th in Africa (63rd in the world).
- Niger: Niger’s national team, the Mena, achieved the most significant progression in Africa for October, climbing 30 places. They are now ranked 107th in the world and 30th in Africa.
- Ethiopia: Ethiopia climbed 16 places, reaching the 28th position in Africa and the 102nd position globally.
- South Africa: As the host of the upcoming CAN, South Africa fell 8 places and is now ranked 21st in Africa and 84th in the world.
Other notable rankings include Algeria (19th in the world), Mali (28th), Ghana (29th), and Zambia (39th) in the global rankings. Tunisia is 7th in Africa (46th globally), and Nigeria gained 6 places, securing the 10th spot in Africa and 57th in the world.
The rankings reflect the shifting dynamics and performances of African national teams as they prepare for upcoming competitions, including the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations.
