By Emmanuel Nduka Obisue
FIFA has overturned South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, awarding a 3-0 win to Lesotho after it emerged that Bafana Bafana fielded an ineligible player.
In a statement on Monday, FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee ruled that South Africa breached competition regulations by featuring midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who was under suspension at the time of the match.
“The Disciplinary Committee found the South African Football Association responsible for fielding a player who was not eligible to participate. Consequently, the match is declared forfeited and awarded 3-0 in favour of Lesotho,” FIFA said.
The ruling not only nullifies South Africa’s victory but also deals a significant blow to their qualification campaign, as Lesotho gains three crucial points in Group C.
The South African Football Association (SAFA) has yet to issue an official response to the sanction as at the time of filing this report.
Heritage Times HT reports that the declaration means South Africa now have 14 points in Group C instead of the 17 they had before the FIFA ruling.
Benin remains second in the group tied at 14 points while Nigeria is third with 11 points.
With two matches still to play for each team, Monday’s ruling boosts the chances of qualifying for Nigeria and Benin.
