ACCRA, June 7 (Xinhua) -- Ghana moved up three places to rank 47th in the latest FIFA world rankings released on Thursday.

The Black Stars climbed three places from the 50th position in May with points tally of 603 to 624.

The country's rise could be attributed to the 2-0 win it posted against World Cup bound Japan in an international friendly earlier this month.

In Africa, Ghana jumped two places to now become the sixth best side on the continent ahead of West African neighbors Nigeria.

Positions at the very top of the table remain unchanged, with Germany leading the pack followed by Brazil, Belgium and Portugal.

Ghana will play another World Cup side, Iceland, in a friendly later on Thursday.