South Africa risk losing points after fielding ineligible player against Lesotho

The Bafana Bafana used an ineligible player against Lesotho.

After defeating Lesotho last Friday in their 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match, South Africa are awaiting word on whether they would face any consequences for using an ineligible player.

Teboho Mokoena, a midfielder for Bafana Bafana, should have been suspended for one game after receiving yellow cards against Benin and Zimbabwe earlier in the season.

Lesotho have instead asked the world regulatory body FIFA to look into the incident after the 28-year-old inspired his team to win 2-0 in Polokwane.

“We are hoping for them to respect their own regulations and act appropriately,” Lesotho Football Association secretary general Mokhosi Mohapi told BBC Sport Africa.

“Even if they just caution South Africa, it will be okay. If they give us the points, so be it. [It would be] the cherry on top.

“There’s no malice but it’s just that we are looking for the regulations to be adhered to. If it were us who had defeated South Africa, wouldn’t [they] do the same?”

Mokoena was left out of the squad for Tuesday’s qualifier against Benin. National team manager Hugo Broos stated that the issue is “something that will be sorted over the next week” following the 2-0 victory that put his team five points ahead of Benin at the top of Group C.

Any protest about a player’s eligibility must be filed within 24 hours of the conclusion of a match, according to FIFA’s tournament rules.

South Africa’s chances of making it to the World Cup for the first time since hosting the competition in 2010 may be in jeopardy if they are penalized with a point deduction or more.

Lesotho can receive a 3-0 technical victory in place of Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 triumph, which would put them one point behind South Africa and in second place in the standings.

Additionally, because the Super Eagles are six points off of first place with four rounds of games left after drawing 1-1 with Zimbabwe, it would increase Nigeria’s chances of qualifying.

A spot in the 48-team competition in the US, Mexico, and Canada next year is guaranteed only to the group champion.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.