Angu Lesley Ngwa Akonwi
Football Writer,kick442.com-Cameroon
Morocco have maintained their grip on African supremacy despite a minor dip in the latest FIFA world rankings, with several traditional powers shuffling positions in a list that offers a snapshot of the continent’s shifting football dynamics.
The Atlas Lions remain Africa’s number one and sit 12th globally, even after dropping one place. Behind them, Senegal hold steady at 18th, continuing their consistent presence in the top 20. But it’s Egypt, Algeria and Nigeria who make the biggest strides — while Cameroon and South Africa take a backward step.
North African resurgence
The story of this month’s update is the return to form of North Africa’s giants.
Egypt rise three places to 32nd, buoyed by a recent run of positive results in friendlies and World Cup qualifiers. Under coach Hossam Hassan, the Pharaohs have tightened their defence and rediscovered their clinical touch — a combination that seems to be paying off in FIFA’s Elo-based points system.
Just behind them, Algeria also climb three spots to 35th, a small but important recovery after a period of instability. Their unbeaten September international window, coupled with strong performances from younger talents, has steadied the ship for coach Vladimir Petković.
Meanwhile, Tunisia’s upward movement to 43rd (also +3) underlines the competitive depth of North Africa.
Nigeria’s quiet climb
Perhaps the most significant rise outside the Maghreb comes from Nigeria, up four places to 41st in the world.
The Super Eagles have been under scrutiny since a series of narrow wins and draws earlier this year, but recent solid results have restored belief in Finidi George’s rebuilding project. Their attacking talent — led by Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman — remains among Africa’s most feared, and the ranking boost could help morale heading into the next phase of World Cup qualifying.
Ivory Coast and Mali holding firm
The Ivory Coast and Mali continue to hover near the top of Africa’s middle pack, ranked 42nd and 53rd respectively. Both sides are benefitting from long-term squad cohesion and consistent performances against regional opponents. For the Elephants, the trajectory remains positive after their continental triumph earlier this year.
Cameroon and South Africa slip back
At the other end of the table, Cameroon (54th, down two) and South Africa (59th, down four) are the biggest African losers in this month’s list.
For Cameroon, the drop reflects an unsettled period as coach Marc Brys tries to find rhythm and stability amid criticism over squad rotation. The Indomitable Lions’ inconsistency in recent windows has cost them valuable points.
South Africa’s fall is even more pronounced. Hugo Broos’s team, despite a strong showing at the 2023 AFCON, have struggled for results in recent friendlies. With the World Cup qualifiers looming, they will need to rediscover their competitive edge quickly.
Morocco and Senegal set the benchmark
Morocco and Senegal continue to represent Africa’s elite tier. Both are comfortably inside the world’s top 20 and appear on course for strong 2026 World Cup campaigns.
Morocco’s recent drop of one place is largely a reflection of other nations’ movements rather than poor form. Walid Regragui’s men remain statistically the most consistent African team since the 2022 World Cup.
Senegal, steady at 18th, retain their reputation for balance and discipline under new boss Pape Thiaw, who has overseen a smooth transition after Aliou Cissé’s departure.
Ghana’s struggles continue
Further down, Ghana sit 14th in Africa and 73rd in the world, reflecting their ongoing difficulties to regain former dominance. The Black Stars’ recent mixed results have left them outside the continent’s top 10 for another cycle.
The bigger picture
While these movements might seem marginal, they carry weight. FIFA rankings determine seeding for AFCON and World Cup draws, shaping which teams face tougher early paths.
For those climbing — like Egypt, Algeria and Nigeria — this month’s update validates their progress. For Cameroon, South Africa and Ghana, it’s a reminder that the margin for error at the top of African football remains razor thin.
As the continent gears up for the next round of qualifiers, Morocco and Senegal remain the standard-bearers. But beneath them, the chase for supremacy — and the coveted top-five seeding spots — is heating up fast.
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