Following a string of some impressive performances in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) qualifiers, Bafana Bafana have reaped the rewards and moved four spots in latest Fifa world ranking.
But Bafana moving from position 66 and up to 62nd position on the overall world ranking remain number 12 in Africa.
Not only did coach Hugo Broos and his men qualify for the upcoming Afcon, but they also stunned the 2022 World Cup semi-finalists Morocco, when they defeated them 2-1 in their last Afcon qualifier match in front of an almost fully packed FNB Stadium recently.
The sensational result meant that South Africa topped Group K ahead of the Atlas Lions.
After the defeat, Morocco coach Walid Regragui warned that teams should be wary of Bafana, as they could be a surprise package at the continental tournament in Ivory Coast next year.
Morocco dropped from 11th into 13th position, but remain the highest-ranked African team, followed by Senegal who retained their 18th spot.
Tunisia (31), Algeria (33), Egypt (34), Nigeria (39), Cameroon (43) and Mali (50) are the other African teams inside the world’s top 50, while Afcon host nation Ivory Coast (51), Burkina Faso (55) and Ghana (59) are all still ahead of South Africa (62).
Meanwhile, World Cup holders Argentina have kept their position on number one ahead of France, Brazil, England, and Belgium.
For the latest sports news from Sunday World, click here.
Follow @SundayWorldZA on Twitter and @sundayworldza on Instagram, or like our Facebook Page, Sunday World, by clicking here for the latest breaking news in South Africa.