Teboho Mokoena’s Suspension Controversy Could Cost South Africa World Cup Points

South Africa’s chances of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are at risk after allegations surfaced that midfielder Teboho Mokoena may have been fielded in violation of competition rules during their crucial Group C match against Lesotho.

Mokoena, an essential part of Bafana Bafana’s midfield, had been issued yellow cards in two previous matches—against Benin and Zimbabwe.

According to FIFA’s official competition rules, receiving two yellow cards in different matches automatically results in a one-match suspension.

However, Mokoena was included in the starting lineup against Lesotho, where he played for 81 minutes before being substituted. This apparent oversight could breach FIFA’s regulations, with significant consequences for the South African team.

South Africa is currently at the top of Group C with 10 points, narrowly ahead of Benin (8 points) and Rwanda (7 points).

If it is confirmed that Mokoena was ineligible to play, Bafana Bafana could face the following repercussions:

• A potential points deduction from the 2-0 victory over Lesotho.
• Loss of the top spot in the group standings.
• Increased pressure in upcoming qualification matches.
• A possible boost for rival teams, including Benin and Nigeria.

The controversy stems from FIFA’s World Cup Qualification Handbook, which clearly stipulates in Section 9 that any player receiving two yellow cards in different matches must serve a one-match suspension.

If FIFA upholds this rule, South Africa could lose their points from the Lesotho match, dramatically altering the Group C standings and complicating their qualification campaign.

With the team’s World Cup future hanging in the balance, Bafana Bafana now faces a tense wait for FIFA’s decision.

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