South Africa's reputation as a major African footballing power was delivered another telling blow after their timid first-round exit from the Nations Cup.
After winning the biennial tournament in 1996, 'Bafana Bafana' finished second and third before a shock quarter-final exit against hosts Mali two years ago.
But nothing can compare with what happened on the east coast of Tunisia during the past two weeks with a laboured win over minnows Benin followed by a humiliating four-goal hiding from Nigeria and a timid draw against Morocco.
It all came as little surprise to South African supporters, though, as a chaotic build-up in which coach Ephraim 'Shakes' Mashaba was fired and many stars withdrew from the squad set the tone for a disastrous Group D campaign.
And in a parting insult to Africa, coach April 'Styles' Phumo dodged a post-match media conference after the midweek draw with Morocco, scoring another own goal in the battle to win friends.
Although there were justifiable reasons for ousting Mashaba, sacking him one day before the team flew to North Africa was bizarre, leaving 63-year-old Phumo skating on rapidly melting ice.
Nigeria, lacking suspended stars Celestine Babayaro, Victor Agali and Yakubu Aiyegbeni toyed with Bafana Bafana after goalkeeper Emile Baron gifted them an early lead.
Needing a four-goal victory over Morocco to stage a great escape and sneak into the quarter-finals, South Africa took a first-half lead after a defensive mix-up only to concede a penalty soon after which produced the equaliser.
The Tunisia debacle came after the customary pre-tournament row over money with agreement eventually reached on a 25,000-dollar appearance fee for each player plus a 4,000-dollar bonus per win.
Baron was a gamble that failed, with warning signs flashing several months ago when he conceded a soft goal in a friendly loss to Egypt.
Cup veteran Andre Arendse was recalled to face Morocco and made several key saves.
Hours after elimination, Phumo broke his silence to blame standards in the South African Premiership, ironically the richest national league in Africa by a few million dollars.
"We need material to work with. We did not have an international class right-back in our squad. That tells you something," said Phumo, adding that he had no plans to resign.
Had Mashaba shown the same flexibility as other Nations Cup coaches, South Africa could have used Mark Fish from English Premiership club Charlton Athletic at rightback.
Charlton striker Shaun Bartlett, Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune and Porto striker Benni McCarthy were other players who shunned the national team after clashes with Mashaba.
The lack of strike power was sorely felt in Sfax, Monastir and Sousse with South Africa offering only the pace of Italy-based Siyabonga Nomvete.
Partner Patrick Mayo scored against Morocco, but generally was out of his depth.
As opponents curbed the threat of Nomvete, there was no alternative ammunition from a midfield packed with ponderous players ill equipped to compete at the highest level.
Arrogance has been a trademark of South Africa's football since its return to the international stage in 1992 after almost three decades of racism-induced isolation.
And perhaps officials believed that sending a half-strength, poorly prepared quad to Tunisia would suffice.
As they prepared to leave this ancient Mediterranean town Friday, Bafana Bafana now know better.