Group C leaders in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa qualifiers, South Africa, risk losing three crucial points after fielding an ineligible player during their 2-0 victory over Lesotho last Friday.
The controversy surrounds midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who had already accumulated two yellow cards in the qualifiers before the Lesotho match.
Mokoena was first booked during South Africa’s 2-1 home win over Benin in November 2023, receiving a caution in the 54th minute. He picked up another yellow card in the 52nd minute of their 3-1 victory against Zimbabwe in June 2024.
Despite being suspended under FIFA rules, Mokoena started against Lesotho and played 82 minutes before being substituted for Thalente Mbatha.
According to FIFA’s World Cup qualifying regulations, a player who receives two yellow cards in separate matches is automatically suspended for the next game. FIFA’s rule book states:“If players or team officials receive two cautions in one match (in matches decided by penalties) or in two different matches of the competition, they will be automatically suspended from their team’s subsequent match.”
However, for South Africa to face any consequences, a formal protest must be lodged by Nigeria or Lesotho. FIFA regulations require protests regarding player eligibility to be submitted in writing to the FIFA Match Commissioner within two hours of the match. A full written report must then be sent to FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee within 24 hours, or the protest will be disregarded.
If a protest is successful, Lesotho—currently fifth in the group with five points—could be awarded three additional points, boosting their tally to eight. This could also improve Nigeria’s chances of surpassing South Africa in the standings, depending on the outcome of Tuesday’s matches.
As it stands, South Africa lead the group with 10 points, followed by Benin with eight, Rwanda with seven, and Nigeria with six after five matches. South Africa are set to face Benin next in Abidjan.
