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Johannesburg - The SA Football Association (Safa) on Tuesday praised Bafana Bafana, thanked fans, and reminded South Africans that the World Cup was not yet over.

“Our efforts are not over. Our challenge is to continue to host a unique African FIFA World Cup experience by being great hosts, active supporters and loyal fans,” said Safa CEO Leslie Sedibe.

His remarks followed Bafana's 2-1 win over France, which saw the host team exit the World Cup with its pride intact.

"We know that our boys themselves are bitterly disappointed right now at bowing out of this historic tournament.

"However, for the millions of patriotic South Africans that have followed the progress of team from humble beginnings to a competitive unit, a chapter has been written in our football,” Sedibe said.

"It is not easy to carry the hopes and aspirations of an expectant 48 million people on your shoulders with the rest of the world’s attention also fixed on you."

Victory in defeat

Safa president Kirsten Nematandani added: “The South African Football Association on behalf of the continent therefore expresses its profound gratitude for all the hard work that the team [did] in placing Africa on the map.

"It is one of the few moments in sport when we can justifiabl[y] see victory in defeat when taking stock of the bigger picture of your contribution.”

Sedibe called on South Africans to continue to be "great hosts and rally behind the remaining teams".

“We call on South Africans to continue what we have begun as a nation. Fly your flag for South Africa and continue to participate in this FIFA World Cup as we show the world that we are able to deliver on our promise of a benchmark setting, unique World Cup experience,” said Sedibe.