March 26, 2025
Drama is unfolding in Group C of the FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers as South Africa risks a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player in their recent match against Lesotho.
The player in question, Teboho Mokoena, had accumulated two yellow cards in previous matches against Benin and Zimbabwe, which should have ruled him out of the fixture against Lesotho on March 21, 2025.
Mokoena received a yellow card against Benin in the 54th minute and another against Zimbabwe in the 52nd minute. According to FIFA regulations, a player who accumulates two cautions in separate matches within the same competition is automatically suspended for the next game. However, South Africa still included Mokoena in their lineup against Lesotho, raising concerns about a potential breach of FIFA’s disciplinary code.
The Bafana Bafana are also to play Nigeria in September.
If FIFA enforces the rule, South Africa could face a three-point deduction, which would significantly impact their position at the top of Group C. This could open the door for their rivals in the race for qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, there may be a lifeline for South Africa. According to FIFA’s disciplinary code, protests regarding player eligibility must be submitted in writing through the FIFA Legal Portal within 24 hours of the match. Reports suggest that Lesotho’s football association (LEFA) may not have lodged an official protest within the stipulated timeframe. If that is the case, South Africa might avoid any consequences.
For now, all eyes are on FIFA’s decision as they investigate the matter. Will South Africa retain their crucial points, or will they suffer a setback in their World Cup qualification campaign? The football world waits in anticipation.
