Egypt have lost the ninth place in FIFA's January 2011world ranking to Croatia.
The pharaohs are now down at number 10, while 2022 World Cup host Qatar was the biggest climber in the standings, rising nine spots to reach number 105 after beating Estonia in preparation for the Asian Cup which it is hosting this month.
Despite losing the ninth place, Egypt is still leading all African and Arab countries in the global ranking.
Egypt have only played one friendly game in December. They were defeat 2-1 by hosts Qatar.
The seven-time African champions are now participating in Egypt-based friendly Nile Basin tournament, in preparations for the anticipated March match against South Africa in the 2012 CAN qualifiers.
Egypt coach Hassan Shehata and his squad are struggling in the bottom of Group G of the African qualifiers with a single point from possible six, so they must win the South Africa game.
FIFA world top 10:
1. Spain
2. Netherlands
3. Germany
4. Brazil
5. Argentina
6. England
7. Uruguay
8. Portugal
9. Croatia
10. Egypt
The top 5 African Teams:
10. Egypt
16. Ghana
21. Cote d'Ivoire
32. Nigeria
36. Algeria
The top 5 Arab Teams:
10. Egypt
36. Algeria
44. Tunisia
71. Libya
77. Morocco
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