Bafana thought they are through to the finals following their 0-0 draw with Sierra Leone and the defeat of Niger in Egypt, which left the South Africans with a better goal-difference after the top three teams were tied on points.

However, outsiders Niger shockingly claimed the ticket to Gabon/Equatorial Guinea as the head-to-head record turned out to be the deciding rule for the qualifiers.

While they are left to bemoan their failure to study regulations, South Africa also aimed a swipe at CAF after the ill-fated elimination.

Jungle

“It’s very sad for South Africa because the country deserves to be in next year’s Nations Cup. I feel like I have failed,” Bafana coach Mosimane told reporters.

“Do you think I would have left (striker Lehlohonolo) Majoro on the bench and put on a midfielder if I knew that we needed a goal? It doesn’t make sense.

“Africa is a jungle, my friend. The European and South American formats are so much better because everything is running smoothly, but it’s very difficult to play in Africa.”

South Africa Football Association (SAFA) vice-president Mandla Mazibuko confirmed on Sunday that a letter has been sent to CAF protesting against the decision to disqualify Bafana.