CAF rule stumps Pitso as Bafana fall short

South Africa celebrated, under the impression they had qualified for the continental tournament, after playing to a goalless draw with Sierra Leone in Nelspruit.Bafana technically finished on top of Group G with a better goal difference to Niger and Sierra Leone, with all three teams on nine points, well clear of bottom-placed Egypt.In accordance with Confederation of African Football (CAF) rules, however, Niger qualified by virtue of a better head-to-head record, having beaten Sierra Leone and Bafana, while South Africa boasted only a single victory over Niger.

"I'm confused. Just have a look at the table of the group now and see who is top of the group," Mosimane said.
"Put points on the table now and tell me, are you going to put Niger on top now, even with our better goal difference?"asked Mosimane"It's very sad for South Africa because the country deserves to be in next year's Afcon. I feel like I have failed."