By Ben Efe 29.9.2025
World soccer governing body FIFA has finally hammered South Africa’s Bafana Bafana for fielding ineligible Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho in their World Cup group C qualifiers in March.
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee ruled Monday that South Africa Football Association breached article 19 of the Fifa Disciplinary Code and article 14 of the competition’s regulations by fielding Mokoena and subsequently the match points and a 3-0 victory has been awarded to Lesotho. In addition, SAFA will also pay a fine of about $12,000.
“The Fifa Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned Safa for having fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in the South Africa v Lesotho match played on 21 March 2025 in the Fifa World Cup 2026 preliminary competition,” FIFA said in a statement.
This development is like music to the ears of South Africa’s group C opponents Benin Republic, Nigeria and Rwanda who now have a chance of catching up on the table. South Africa are now reduced to 14 points same as Benin Republic, but Benin lead on a plus 1 goal difference. Nigeria and Rwanda are on 11 points each.
Nigeria will tackle Lesotho in South Africa on October 10, while Benin take on Rwanda in Kigali, Zimbabwe who have nothing to lose play against South Africa.
On October 14 Nigeria host Benin, South Africa host Rwanda in games that will determine the outcome of the group.
Moses Simon (L) is fighting for the ball with Teboho Mokoena.