Mokoena could cost Bafana Bafana their World Cup participation
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Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 19.09.25. | 12:42
An terrible error in the South Africa game against Lesotho could cost them three points
South Africa is facing a potential points deduction in the World Cup qualifiers after FIFA opened disciplinary proceedings over the fielding of an ineligible player. In mid-March, South Africa defeated Lesotho 2–0 in a qualifier, but the team included Teboho Mokoena, who was supposed to serve a suspension after receiving two yellow cards. FIFA’s disciplinary code stipulates that matches are automatically awarded as a 3–0 defeat to the team that breaks the rules. If that happens, South Africa would lose valuable points and drop into a tie for second place with Benin, both on 14 points. In Group C, only the group winner is almost certain to qualify for the World Cup, as there are stronger second-placed teams elsewhere, while Nigeria and Rwanda are three points behind in joint third place. Two qualifying matches remain, scheduled for next month.
South Africa finally receives FIFA’s letter to explain the fielding of an ineligible Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho. The case has been referred to the FIFA Disciplinary Committee, with SAFA given six days to submit their response. @thenff pic.twitter.com/5BKaoZXXEE
— Godwin Enakhena (@genakhena) September 18, 2025
Two weeks ago, Lesotho have vowed to take their complaint to FIFA if South Africa field midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their Group C match. The Secretary General of the Lesotho Football Association (LEFA), Mokhosi Mohap, said that they will not hesitate to act if the Bafana Bafana star appears in Hugo Broos’ squad.
“We want to make it very clear. If South Africa lists Teboho Mokoena in their squad, we will lodge an official protest. The rules must be applied fairly, and we will protect the integrity of this qualification process. The game he missed against Benin was because he was dropped, not suspended. So the moment we see his name on the team sheet, we will lodge a protest to FIFA” Mohap warned
This is not the first time such a situation has occurred. In the 2018 World Cup qualifiers, Nigeria suffered a forfeit loss for the same reason but still managed to qualify in the end. Similarly, in the 2014 World Cup qualifiers, Cape Verde lost their place in the playoffs because one of their players was suspended, which allowed Tunisia to advance.
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