As the race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup intensifies, the South African national soccer team finds itself in a precarious position following a recent match against Lesotho, where they risk severe sanctions for fielding a potentially ineligible player. On March 21, 2025, the Bafana Bafana claimed victory over Lesotho with a score of 2-0 in Polokwane, which currently places them firmly at the top of Group C in the qualifying rounds. However, the victory could be overshadowed by an impending protest due to the eligibility of Teboho Mokoena, who played in the match despite already receiving two yellow cards earlier in the qualification campaign.
Teboho Mokoena, a 28-year-old midfielder with 34 selections and 6 goals for the national team, was cautioned during the qualifiers against Benin on November 18, 2023, and again against Zimbabwe on June 11, 2024. According to regulation, acquiring two yellow cards in different matches typically results in a suspension. This rule, however, was seemingly overlooked by coach Hugo Broos during South Africa’s most recent fixture. The implications of this oversight are substantial, as Lesotho's Football Federation (LFA) is weighing its options to file an appeal with the FIFA.
"The question is: has a rule been broken? If yes, we are fully entitled to protest and demand the points," stated Mokhosi Mohapi, the Secretary-General of the LFA, speaking to South African outlet SowetanLIVE. Adding more tension to the group, Nigeria might also consider lodging a protest due to their disappointing performance, having drawn 1-1 against Zimbabwe on March 25, 2025. This situation leaves the door open for multiple teams to navigate the intricacies of regulations while aiming for World Cup qualification.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the equation lies Benin, who hopes to capitalize on the turmoil surrounding South Africa. They currently sit in second place in Group C, trailing by only two points, creating a high-stakes atmosphere for their clash against the Bafana Bafana this evening at the Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan. Benin is hungry for a win, especially following their 2-2 draw against Zimbabwe last Friday, which had showcased their perseverance despite struggling in recent matches. They have yet to secure a victory since October 11, 2024, managing to stay 'alive' in the qualifiers mainly through draws.
Gernot Rohr, Benin's head coach, has emphasized the importance of this match for the team's aspirations. With key players like Steve Mounié and Dodo Dokou stepping up, Benin is confident that they can overthrow South Africa. The team remains undefeated at home since July 2022, believing that a win against the current group leader could dramatically shift the dynamics of Group C and provide them the push needed for their first World Cup appearance.
As the teams take to the pitch, South Africa aims to secure their position with a strong performance. Having made significant strides as semi-finalists in the last Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), coach Hugo Broos’s squad is eager to show that they are still a force to be reckoned with, despite the absence of critical players like Themba Zwane. Players such as Relebohile Mofokeng, a promising star who has made an impact in Major League Soccer (MLS), are looked to carry the offensive burden with his three goals in the qualifiers already.
Moreover, South Africa boasts the strongest attacking record in Group C, scoring eight goals. Even though they approach this match with pressure to perform, a draw could suffice for South Africa to maintain their leading position, reinforcing the need for a solid defensive effort in light of Mothobi Mvala's injury. The fans' expectations are high, as the team has not participated in the World Cup since 2010, and every point is critical on this journey toward North America.
As anticipation builds for the kickoff at 17:00 (French time), both teams understand that today could be pivotal not just for their World Cup ambitions but for the unfolding narrative of soccer on the continent. From regulatory controversies to historical aspirations, the match represents much more than just three points; it's a battleground for reputation, resilience, and dreams of glory on the world stage.
Ultimately, the upcoming showdown embodies the spirit of competitive sports, where the pressure mounts, and every decision—both on and off the ball—can have lasting consequences. Will history be made today? Or will the tumult of qualifying distract from the beautiful game towards which both teams aspire?
