Bafana Bafana could be facing a significant setback in their pursuit of qualification for the 2026 FIFA World Cup due to the possible fielding of an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, during their recent match against Lesotho.
In their 2-0 victory over Lesotho on March 21, 2025, Mokoena was included in the lineup despite having accumulated two yellow cards in earlier matches, including one during a 2-1 home win over Benin in November 2023 and another during a 3-1 triumph over Zimbabwe in June 2024. According to FIFA’s rules, a player who receives two yellow cards in the qualifying series is automatically suspended from participating in their next match.
The implication of this error could be grave for Bafana Bafana, who currently top Group C of the African qualifiers with ten points. If FIFA finds them guilty of fielding Mokoena, South Africa could face a three-point deduction, a penalty that would significantly alter their standings, especially as they have a slim lead over competitors like Benin and Nigeria.
Nigeria, currently four points behind South Africa, is awaiting the outcome of the situation with keen interest. If South Africa loses the points, Nigeria's path to qualification becomes brighter. As the Super Eagles prepare for their next crucial match against Zimbabwe, they remain hopeful that FIFA will act on this issue.
Interestingly, the situation may have averted a crisis for the South African football team. Reports suggest that Lesotho did not file a formal protest against South Africa's usage of Mokoena within the necessary timeframe, nor did they notify FIFA's Match Commissioner of the incident immediately after the match. FIFA regulations stipulate that any protest regarding player eligibility must be submitted within two hours of the match conclusion along with a comprehensive report within 24 hours; failure to adhere to these rules can lead to disregarding the protest.
In the case of Bafana Bafana, even though their governing body, Safa, was initially alarmed by the situation, they have now concluded that Lesotho's oversight means they are unlikely to face punishment. This apparent relief comes as South Africa gears up for a crucial match against Benin in Abidjan, where they must secure a win to solidify their position in the group.
During the qualification campaign, Mokoena had been an influential figure for South Africa, and amidst the pressure, coach Hugo Broos will need to navigate the complexities of his squad's composition. In the last match against Lesotho, Mokoena played 82 minutes before being substituted, potentially impacting the team’s strategy moving forward if his suspension is upheld.
Currently, South Africa and Benin are engaged in a fierce contest for the top position in Group C, with Benin sitting at eight points, three behind Bafana Bafana. Rwanda follows closely with seven points, and Nigeria languishes in fourth place with six points. This tight race heightens the stakes of every match as only the top teams in nine African groups will qualify for the World Cup, while the four best runners-up also have a chance of competing in an intercontinental playoff.
As the world watches, the repercussions of this incident could be pivotal for the future of several teams in this qualification phase. The mood in the South African camp, as they prepare to face Benin, will be one of cautious optimism as they await the ruling from FIFA. They remain hopeful that they will not face any potential deductions that could jeopardize their ambitions of qualifying for football’s greatest event.
In conclusion, this situation underscores the importance of complying with eligibility regulations in premier football competitions and serves as a poignant reminder for teams navigating the complexities of qualification processes. With the World Cup on the horizon, every point counts, and as the fixtures unfold, so too will the fates of South Africa, Nigeria, and their competitors.
