18.9.2025
South Africa’s Bafana Bafana are on the edge as FIFA launched an investigation into their fielding ineligible Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho in the 2026 World Cup qualifier in March.
FIFA’s silence on the matter had Benin Republic and Nigeria officials wondering, if South Africa would be punished for breaking the rules in their 2-0 win over Lesotho. But now everyone involved had their fingers crossed as the world soccer governing body has sent a letter of inquiry to the South Africa Football Association and there is a probability the Bafana Bafana could lose the three points for breaching several disciplinary regulations, including the fielding of an ineligible player.
If South Africa is eventually to forfeit the three points to Lesotho, they will fall back to 14 points same as Benin, but Bafana Bafana remain on top of the group with goal difference. They would have to win their next two games against bottom placed Zimbabwe and then face a dicey tie against Rwanda in October. South Africa would be playing all their games at home.
Benin will face Rwanda who are also in contention to be among the best four losers and then face Nigeria in their last match. The Super Eagles will play away to Lesotho in South Africa and then return to Uyo and hope for the best against Benin who are desperate to qualify for their first ever World Cup.
October 6-10 fixtures
Nigeria v Lesotho
Zimbabwe v South Africa
Benin v Rwanda
South Africa Rwanda
Benin v Nigeria
Lesotho v Zimbabwe
Teboho Mokoena...Bafana Bafana player that may cost South Africa three points