Bafana Bafana 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign could take a serious hit after potentially fielding an ineligible player in their 2-0 victory over Lesotho last Friday.
What Happened?
🔹 Teboho Mokoena, who started and played 82 minutes in the match, was reportedly ineligible due to suspension.
🔹 The FIFA rulebook states that any player who accumulates two yellow cards in separate matches must serve a one-match suspension in the next fixture.
🔹 Mokoena had previously received yellow cards against Benin (November 2023) and Zimbabwe (July 2023), meaning he should have been suspended for the match against Lesotho.
Lesotho FA Lodges Complaint
Following the match, the Lesotho Football Association (LFA) confirmed that they have formally queried FIFA regarding South Africa’s potential violation.
Possible Consequences for South Africa
If FIFA upholds the protest:
✅ Lesotho could be awarded a 3-0 victory instead of their 2-0 loss.
✅ South Africa may be deducted three points, which would drastically affect their standing in Group C.
Current Group C Standings (Before any FIFA ruling)
| Position | Team | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 🇿🇦 South Africa | 10 | |
| 🇧🇯 Benin | 8 | |
| 🇷🇼 Rwanda | 7 | |
| 🇳🇬 Nigeria | 6 | |
| 🇱🇸 Lesotho | 5 | |
| 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe | 3 |
What’s Next?
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee will review the case, and a ruling is expected soon. If the decision goes against South Africa, it could shake up the group standings and impact their World Cup qualification hopes.
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Should Bafana Bafana be penalized, or was it an honest administrative mistake? 🤔
