Ghana might have completed a successful Asian double but have surprisely dropped a step down in the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking released for October. The latest ranking pits Ghana at 24 with 826, thus a step below the 23rd position it held before the rankings.

Ghana beat Japan and South Korea in international friendlies this month but that victories did not improve the Black Stars? position on the log, though it is expected to have an impact in next month?s ranking. Several confederation competitions left a deep impression on the October FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking.

Yet still, no African nation has broken into the top ten though Nigeria, Cameroon and the Ivory Coast are among the top 20 sides.

Brazil still lead the pack with World champions, Italy moving three places up, hot on their heels, having gained 66 impressive points since September. France have dropped to the third behind the Italians.

Argentina are fourth with England taking the fifth. On the African continent, Ghana still holds onto her position as the fourth best side.

Nigeria hold onto the first position on the African continent followed by Cameroon and Ivory Coast in that order. Mali are Africa?s most improved nation in the October FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking. The Malians have never had it so good as in the October FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking jumping 19 places up to the 41st spot.

Of the 125 international matches played last month, 96 were confederation championship qualifiers: UEFA (44 matches), CONCACAF (19), AFC (11) and CAF (22). Twenty-nine friendlies were also contested.