Bafana Bafana handed 3-0 defeat; drop to second in Group C of African qualifiers
FIFA has awarded Lesotho a 3-0 win over South Africa after the latter fielded an ineligible player during their 2026 World Cup qualifying match held on March 21 in Polokwane.
South Africa had initially won the game 2-0, but the result has now been overturned by FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee due to a breach of Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code. The ruling drops South Africa to second place in Group C, behind Benin on goal difference, while Lesotho remains in fifth position.
Teboho Mokoena Played Despite Suspension
At the center of the controversy is South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who had accumulated two yellow cards in previous matches — one against Benin and another against Zimbabwe — which should have triggered a one-match suspension.
FIFA stated that by fielding Mokoena in the match against Lesotho, South Africa violated disciplinary regulations governing player eligibility.
“The South African national team violated Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code by fielding a player who should have been suspended,” FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee said in a statement released Monday.
In addition to forfeiting the match, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has been hit with a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (approximately $12,536 USD). However, SAFA retains the right to appeal the decision through the FIFA Appeals Committee.
