Ghana have climbed two steps up in the FIFA world ranking released today despite the poor performance at the African Cup of Nations.

Ghana who started the year at the 50th position have moved up to the 48th.

The February edition of the FIFA/Coca-Cola World Ranking is heavily influenced by the CAF Africa Cup of Nations.

Nigeria (12th, up 12), Cameroon (16th, up 7) and new African champions Egypt (17th, up 15) all make it into the top 20.

With a historic fifth African title, Egypt reach their highest position in the world ranking since 1998.

As the only FIFA World Cup™ qualifiers in the semi-finals, Côte d'Ivoire make a considerable leap up the ranking (32nd, up 10) despite losing out to the hosts on penalties in the final.

On the African continent, Ghana are placed eighth on the African ranking table.

Nigerian who managed a third place at the African Cup of Nations have leapfrogged Cameroon to the first position.

Cameroon are second with Egypt and Tunisia following in that order.

There is no change at the top of the ranking, with Brazil leading the way and the Czech Republic, Netherlands and Argentina all in pursuit.

The quest for fifth position in the ranking is a tight contest; France are only one point ahead of their nearest competitors, Spain, Mexico and the USA.

This month's world ranking covers a total of 68 matches: 32 in the African Cup of Nations, 32 friendlies and four matches remaining from the beginning of the year.

The world ranking involves 205 affiliated members of world soccer governing body, FIFA.