November 18, 2010
MTNFootball.com recently 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 after the midweek 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers and international friendlies on November 17, 2010:
1. COTE DIVOIRE
Last result: Poland 3-1 Cote d’Ivoire
Previous position: 1 (no change)
It looks a comprehensive defeat for the Ivorians last time out against Poland, but it was an experimental side and not too much can be read into friendly encounters of this nature. There was nothing in the game to suggest they should be ousted as our number one side on the continent!
2. GHANA
Last result: Saudi Arabia 0-0 Ghana
Previous position: 2 (no change)
Ghana played to a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia, not the best of results for the side who are still in search of a full-time coach, but a draw away from should never be viewed as a dismal failure in international football these days.
3. SENEGAL
Last result: Senegal 2-1 Gabon
Previous position: 5 
Senegal’s resurgent form of late has been a joy to watch and they are amongst the most exciting teams on the continent at present. They have now won their last four matches, scoring 14 goals in the process. A team on the rise.
4. SOUTH AFRICA
Last result: South Africa 0-1 USA
Previous position: 3
Bafana Bafana had eight new faces from the side that played Sierra Leone in their last qualifier and should really have buried the USA, who made life difficult for them by putting 11 men behind the ball and taking one of the few opportunities in the game that came their way.
5. CAMEROON
Last result: Cameroon 1-1 DR Congo
Previous position: 6
Cameroon were not in friendly action during the current round of matches but still move up one place by virtue of Gabon’s fall from grace.
6. EGYPT
Last result: Egypt 3-0 Australia
Previous position: 7
The Pharaohs have been much-maligned of late, but they bounced back to form with a 3-0 home win over a useful Australian side. It was a good victory, but not enough evidence to suggest they have rediscovered the spark that has led them to the last three Nations Cup tournaments.
7. GABON
Last result: Senegal 2-1 Gabon
Previous position: 4 
The 2012 Africa Cup of Nations co-hosts have had a tough time of late, losing their last three matches, which includes defeats to Oman and Saudi Arabia as well. Perhaps the lack of competitive football due to their automatic qualification for the 2012 tournament has seen the side lose some edge, but they need to address it fast.
8. GUINEA
Last result: Guinea 1-2 Burkina Faso
Previous position: 8 (no change)
Guinea were surprise losers at home to Burkina Faso, though the Burkinabe are certainly no push-overs. It is unclear how much can be read into this result, but Burkina Faso will be delighted. Guinea hold their position in our Top 10.
9. NIGERIA
Last result: Guinea 1-0 Nigeria
Previous position: 9 (no change)
Nigeria’s proposed international with Iran scheduled for this week was cancelled after a number of Super Eagles stars pulled out. That has left them unchanged in our rankings table.
10. BOTSWANA
Last result: Botswana 1-0 Tunisia
Previous position: New entry
The incredible form of Botswana has largely been ignored across the continent, but their 1-0 success over powerhouse Tunisia, the second time they have beaten them in their qualification campaign, has left them on the verge of a first-ever Nations Cup appearance in 2012. But they have also been excellent in friendlies too, a1-0 success away in hostile Equatorial Guinea recently is evidence that this Botswana side is made of stern stuff.
DROPPING OUT:
Last result: Saudi Arabia 0-0 Uganda
Previous position: 10
Uganda made a brief foray into our Top 10 and might have remained were it not for the excellent form of Botswana, who have edged them out. With the CECAFA Cup on the horizon, they may well return!
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