SAfrica withdraws appeal over African Cup place

South Africa has withdrawn its protest to the Confederation of African Football after missing out to Niger in qualifying for next year's Cup of Nations due to a rule mix-up.

The South African Football Association said Wednesday it had withdrawn its appeal and congratulated Niger on qualification.

South Africa was left embarrassed by a misunderstanding in its final qualifying match, thinking it only needed a draw to reach the finals on goal difference. But CAF rules said head-to-head results counted where teams were tied on points, meaning Niger qualified instead.

SAFA President Kirsten Nematandani conceded South African officials did not know the rules and said the governing body was ''profoundly sorry for letting the nation down.''