South African Football Federation (SAFA) had appealed to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) related to their failure to qualify for 2012 African Cup of Nations.

South Africa only tried to play safe without a goal against Sierra Leone. Because close to the end of the game they heard news that rivals Niger were behind 0-3 against Egypt. That way, a 0-0 draw would be enough to make South Africa leaders of Group G with a superior goal difference.

Nevertheless, apparently CAF did not apply the goal difference system to determine the group rankings. CAF prefered to use the 14.1 rule which states the teams with the same points position will be determined based on head-to-head match.

Group G match is finished with South Africa, Niger, and Sierra Leone collecting the same points. South Africa were ahead on goal difference from the other countries. They thought they made it through to the 2012 African Cup of Nations.

None of the officials, coaches, fans, and South African players were aware of the rules of CAF. They celebrated their ‘success’ to qualify. However, disappointment then come after CAF announced that Niger was the nations qualifying for the group.