Pyramids close gap on Sundowns in African club rankings

Mamelodi Sundowns remain Africa’s highest-ranked club despite their early exit from the CAF Champions League, but their lead is being reduced by Pyramids FC.

According to the FootballDatabase rankings, Sundowns sit top of the continent with 1,694 points. The South African champions have retained first place despite their disappointing elimination from the competition they won last season.

Pyramids, coached by former Sundowns manager Rulani Mokwena, are second and only 16 points behind the Brazilians. Their qualification for the CAF Champions League group stages gives them an opportunity to collect further points and potentially move ahead of Sundowns.

Al Ahly occupy third place, with the Egyptian giants 47 points behind Sundowns. They have also reached the Champions League group stages, meaning the two clubs closest to the leaders will have the chance to put further pressure on the continental rankings during the next phase of the competition.

Wiliete ranked 96th after Sundowns upset

The Angolan club that eliminated Sundowns have a much lower position in the FootballDatabase standings.

Wiliete are ranked 96th in Africa, despite their victory over the defending champions in the CAF Champions League. Their result against Masandawana underlined how performances in individual matches can differ sharply from the established hierarchy reflected in club rankings.

Sundowns’ continental position remains stronger than their latest Champions League result might suggest. They continue to lead the African list, although the growing proximity of Pyramids and Al Ahly means their position is no longer as secure as it was.

Sundowns remain in world top 60

Sundowns are ranked 59th globally, with their position unchanged in the latest world standings.

They remain ahead of several prominent European clubs. Spain’s Real Sociedad are 61st, French side Lille are 66th and English Premier League club Crystal Palace are 69th.

The rankings therefore continue to place Sundowns among the leading clubs in Africa and inside the world’s top 60, even after their continental disappointment.

Pyramids and Al Ahly now have the opportunity to make up ground in the Champions League group stages. Their progress in the competition could determine whether Sundowns retain the number-one ranking or surrender it to one of the Egyptian challengers.