Football’s world governing body released its rankings for the month of April on Wednesday, the 11th which saw Peter Bonu Johnson’s side make some significant gains despite last February’s African Cup of Nations 2-1 home defeat to Algeria in Banjul.

The Scorpions of The Gambia were Ranked 35th in Africa and 123rd in the world for the month of March with 273 points after accumulating further points to 293, the country has moved some few places up for this month.

Cote d'Ivoire is the best-placed African team on the list at number 15 despite losing the 2012 African Nations Cup in February to Zambia (40th). Australia is Asia's highest-ranked representative in 21st position.

Spain has maintained top position in the latest FIFA World Ranking as the champion in South Africa 2010 continues to be the team to beat. Germany climbed one spot in the table up to number two, with 2011 Copa America winner Uruguay moving into third position.

Despite not playing any games in the past month, losing World Cup finalist the Netherlands has dropped two places in the ranking, and now sits fourth.

Portugal leapfrogged Brazil (sixth) and England (seventh) to move up to fifth, with Croatia (eighth), Denmark (ninth) and Argentina completing the top 10. Italy slipped three places and now sits 12th in the ranking, behind Russia and ahead of Chile. Mexico glided up two spots to 20th, with the United States slipping two down to 29th spot.