MTNFootball

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 2012 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers at the weekend:

1. COTE D’IVOIRE

Last result: Benin 2-6 Cote d’Ivoire
Previous position: 1 (no change)

Cote d’Ivoire’s thumping 6-2 victory over Benin at the weekend only confirmed their position as Africa’s best and most exciting side to watch. The Ivorians sealed their place at the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations and on the evidence of recent times must be favourites to win it.

2. SENEGAL

Last result: Cameroon 0-0 Senegal
Previous position: 2 (no change)

Senegal came away with an excellent 0-0 draw in Cameroon … just about. Samuel Eto’o’s missed penalty late on might have changed things, but Senegal also showed they have some guts and graft in their side, not just free-scoring, attacking players.

3. GHANA

Last result: Ghana 3-1 Congo
Previous position: 3 (no change)

Ghana’s recent form has been excellent, building on their growing reputation from the 2010 FIFA World Cup. They labored a little in the first half against Congo, but got home in the end with a fairly emphatic win.

4. SOUTH AFRICA

Last result: Egypt 0-0 South Africa
Previous position: 4 (no change)

South Africa continue to be one of the most improved sides in Africa and their draw in Cairo against Egypt keeps them on course for the 2012 Nations Cup. It might have been better as well, had they not spurned three one-on-one opportunities with the goalkeeper. They easily outplayed the three-time defending African champions.

5. CAMEROON

Last result: Cameroon 0-0 Senegal
Previous position: 5 (no change)

The result might not have been what they wanted, but Cameroon did play well at times against the Senegalese and but for some more luck, could have won the game. As it is they cling onto fifth-place in our Power Rankings, but may not for much longer …

6. NIGERIA

Last result: Ethiopia 2-2 Nigeria
Previous position: 7 (+1)

The result away in Ethiopia was disappointing for Super Eagles fans, coming as it did hard on the heels of the magnificent 4-1 win over Argentina just a few days earlier. Samson Siasia has done well since taking over the coaching reins and Nigeria look to be a side on the up … despite the Ethiopia result.

6. GABON

Last result: DR Congo 0-2 Gabon
Previous position: 6 (-1)

Gabon have been inactive since our last rankings, though they do take on Gambia in a friendly tonight, where their progress towards the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations, which they co-host, will be gauged.

8. EGYPT

Last result: Egypt 0-0 South Africa
Previous position: 8 (no change)

Egypt’s steady decline continues and they look an aging unit that desperately needs fresh blood. That may come with a new coach after Hassan Shehata resigned following the 0-0 draw with South Africa at the weekend.

9. BOTSWANA

Last result: Botswana 0-0 Malawi
Previous position: 9 (no change)

Botswana played to a 0-0 draw with Malawi in their latest qualifier, though for them it was a chance to experiment given that they have already qualified for the finals in Equatorial Guinea and Gabon next year.

10. BURKINA FASO

Last result: Namibia 1-4 Burkina Faso
Previous position: 10 (no change)

Burkina Faso have just about kept Guinea and Morocco out of the Top 10 though it was a close-run thing. Their 4-1 victory in Namibia was emphatic and follows an excellent 12 months for the side.

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