Team GB must now rely on a number of results going their way if they are to reach the quarter-finals of the women's volleyball tournament at London 2012.
Britain could have booked their place in the last eight with victory over the Dominican Republic at Earls Court earlier today, however they were soundly beaten in straight sets.
The African nation, who are ranked 11th in the world, took the match 25-9 25-18 25-19.
Britain must now beat the much-fancied Japanese team in their final fixture to hold any hope of progressing to the next round.