The Warriors needed a win from their final Group B clash with Bafana but ultimately lost 3-2 with Oswin Appollis netting an 82nd minute spot-kick to kill off the tie.
Zimbabwe found themselves a goal down at Stade de Marrakech on Monday to a seventh minute Tshepang Moremi strike but were back on level terms after a super solo goal from Tawanda Maswanhise.
Lyle Foster put Bafana ahead again in the second half, but an Aubrey Modiba own-goal restored parity again to provide hope of an upset, until disaster struck.
Nakamba was adjudged to have handled the ball in the box after a VAR check, and Appollis sealed the win with his conversion.
Reflecting on the game, Nakamba told the Herald: "I am heartbroken. If there are people that I never want to let down, then it should be Zimbabweans.
"Even when I play club football, I play there to make Zimbabweans proud. And these are the same people that I have disappointed.
"I am really sorry. I don't know how to express this, but I am slowly sliding into depression with what I have just caused."
Adil Boulbina's stunning late strike spared Algeria the agony of penalties and booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, as the Fennecs edged past DR Congo 1–0 after extra time in Rabat.
Lyle Foster feels that Bafana were unlucky to lose to Cameroon in their Africa Cup of Nations last 16 encounter.
Relebohile Mofokeng says he takes responsibility for missing a chance to score for Bafana Bafana in the 2-1 Africa Cup of Nations last 16 loss to Cameroon.
Mohamed Salah insists that Egypt are not one of the favourites to win the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after securing their place in the quarter-finals.
