South Africa’s World Cup qualifying hopes have been thrown into turmoil after FIFA stripped them of a key victory for fielding an ineligible player in their clash with Lesotho.
The Bafana Bafana had beaten their neighbours 2-0 on 21st March 2025, but midfielder Teboho Mokoena’s inclusion breached regulations which prompted the FIFA Disciplinary Committee to step in. The result has been overturned, with Lesotho handed a 3-0 win.
In a statement, FIFA said:
“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for having fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in the South Africa v. Lesotho match played on 21 March 2025 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary competition, thereby breaching article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) and article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations.”
The punishment doesn’t stop there. SAFA have been fined CHF 10,000 (GH₵155,587.40), while Mokoena himself has received a formal warning.
The ruling has immediate consequences for Group C, one of the tightest sections in African qualifying.
The points deduction sees Benin climb to the top with 14 points from eight games, nudging South Africa down to second place on goal difference. Nigeria remain within striking distance on 11 points, ensuring the race for a 2026 World Cup berth is delicately poised.
With margins so fine, FIFA’s sanction could yet prove decisive in shaping which nation makes it to North America.
By: Pascal Amoah
