Bafana Bafanas defeat to Canada in the World Cup round of 32 on Sunday has dampened the mood in the country after a cheerful period sparked by their historic showing at the tournament.
The heartbreaking loss, in the last minutes of a tense match in Los Angeles, left a bitter taste, but we are inclined to agree with those who say there was plenty to celebrate from the event.
Having opened the tournament on a sour note, with a defeat to Mexico in the first match on June 11, Bafana grew in stature and won admirers along the way, securing a historic second place in a tough group which included Czechia and South Korea.