"It is not yet over for us," said Phumo, who took over the post when Ephraim Mashaba was fired on the eve of the tournament.

"We still have a chance to make up for our defeat against Nigeria by going on to beat Morocco in our last match."

His positive outlook may be an admirable response to Sunday's defeat, but a more sober view would suggest that Bafana can start packing their bags.

They enter the final match with a goal difference of minus two. Morocco’s is plus five, and Nigeria’s plus three, with an easy final encounter with Benin to come.

To overtake either of them, Bafana would need to produce something very, very special – and on Sunday they hardly looked like miracle men.

In Mali two years ago, Bafana Bafana defeated the Atlas Lions 3-1, and at the 1998 edition of the tournament, the South Africans won their quarterfinal clash 2-1.

Phumo slammed the referee Mohamed Ali Bujsaim of the United Arab Emirates over his handling of the match.

The players also protested against the 64th-minute penalty awarded against them when defender Aaron Mokoena handled the ball as he fell to the ground with Nwankwo Kanu hot on his heels.

"We did our best against a Nigerian side which on the day really came out to play but again one can't help but lash out at the handling of the match," Phumo said.

"My player was pushed before the first goal, and the penalty that led to the second should never have been given as it was my player who was at the receiving end. The referee decided the outcome of this match."

Injuries have further depleted the team ahead of Wednesday's clash against Morocco.

Wits University midfielder Benson Mhlongo is nursing a knee injury after a clash with Nigeria defender Joseph Yobo while goalkeeper Emille Baron has a calf injury after he ran into Mokoena during the match. Phumo refused to replace him.