Johannesburg - The South African national team has commanded Group G of the 2012 African Cup of Nations qualifying stages since the start of qualifying back in September of 2010, however they conceded the top spot to Niger after losing 2-1 to the West Africans on Sunday afternoon.

Bafana Bafana are now in second place of the group with eight points, one point behind leaders Niger and on equal points with third paced Sierra Leone.

Pitso Mosimane’s team still have an outside chance of qualifying for the AFCON finals, although they will have to beat Sierra Leone here at home in October and hope that Niger's result in Egypt goes their way.

The national team flew back into the country on Monday morning from Niger’s capital, Niamey, and Mosimane told Soccer Laduma that the players did very well under the conditions, shortly after touching down at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.

"Everyone knows that we went there to collect three points but it was not to be. To be honest with you, the players did very well and I am proud of them. We had more chances that the hosts but sometimes you just can't win. Niger is a very lucky team. 

“We will see what happens in the last game as we can beat Sierra Leone and qualify," Mosimane said.