South Africa has lodged an appeal with the Confederation of African Football after its players did a lap of honor around the stadium in the mistaken belief they had qualified for next year's Cup of Nations tournament.
South Africa drew with Sierra Leone 0-0 on Saturday, sparking cheers from fans and dancing from players.
The South African Football Association says in a statement Sunday it will challenge CAF's ''interpretation and application of the rules'' after CAF said Niger qualified as Group G winner.
Three teams finished equal on points but CAF says Niger advances with a better record against South Africa and Sierra Leone.
South Africa says it earned a place on goal difference, which it calls ''the universally recognized means of separating teams.''
