Hugo Broos says there is collective blame for the mistake that saw Bafana docked three points for fielding an “ineligible player” in their World Cup qualifier.
South Africa were found guilty by FIFA for playing suspended Teboho Mokoena, with Lesotho retrospectively awarded a 3-0 win.
Broos’ side dropped to second place on the standings, behind leaders Benin on goal difference.
Bafana play Zimbabwe and Rwanda in their final two games, and speaking at the announcement of his squad, the head coach said his side’s chances of making it to the finals are still very much alive.
He said in SABC: “I know everything that happened in the last two weeks, but we’re still alive.
“There is nothing changed, after the game against Nigeria we were three points ahead. We still had to win our last two games.
“Why believe Benin will win their last two games and we not. I don’t understand why people start doubting, and say we can’t qualify anymore.”
When quizzed on who was responsible for the error, Broos added: “Who is responsible, and I see already that the minister also wants to investigate who is responsible, it’s clear – I’m responsible, I am the coach.
“I have to know that these guys have two yellow cards. My technical staff because they didn’t tell me that Teboho has two yellow cards.
“The team manager is responsible, because he didn’t follow up. The player is responsible, because he didn’t say anything.
“And the administration of SAFA is responsible, so no everybody knows who’s responsible. So stop with it, just focus on the two games that are coming now and support us like you did before.
“And we will see where we will arrive. But we will do everything, 100% to win those two games. Again for me it’s an extra motivation.”
Final 23-man Bafana Bafana squad:
Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ricardo Goss (Siwelele FC), Sipho Chaine (Orlando Pirates)
Defenders: Malibongwe Khoza (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khuliso Mudau (Mamelodi Sundowns), Aubrey Modiba (Mamelodi Sundowns), Khulumani Ndamane (TS Galaxy), Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Orlando Pirates), Thabang Matuludi (Polokwane City), Samukelo Kabini (Molde FK, Norway), Nkosinathi Sibisi (Orlando Pirates)
Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Sphephelo Sithole (Tondela SC, Portugal), Bathusi Aubaas (Mamelodi Sundowns), Thalente Mbatha (Orlando Pirates)
Forwards: Thapelo Morena (Mamelodi Sundowns), Oswin Appollis (Orlando Pirates), Sipho Mbule (Orlando Pirates), Iqraam Rayners (Mamelodi Sundowns), Lyle Foster (Burnley FC, England), Tshepang Moremi (Orlando Pirates), Mohau Nkota (Al-Ettifaq, Saudi Arabia), Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates)