Bafana lose top spot after FIFA points deduction

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Bafana Bafana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification hopes have been dealt a major setback after FIFA confirmed sanctions for fielding Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho.

Mokoena was supposed to serve a one-match suspension during South Africa’s qualifier against Lesotho in March. Instead, he started in the 2-0 victory in Polokwane. FIFA has now ruled that the result is forfeited, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 win.

The decision sees South Africa deducted three points, dropping them from first to second in Group C. Hugo Broos’ side had led the standings with a three-point advantage over Benin. Following the ruling, they now trail the Squirrels, who moved top after defeating Lesotho.

In addition to the points deduction, the South African Football Association (SAFA) has been fined CHF 10,000. Mokoena himself has been issued a formal warning.

FIFA explained the ruling in a statement: “The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for having fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in the South Africa vs Lesotho match played on 21 March 2025 in the FIFA World Cup 2026 preliminary competition, thereby breaching article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code (FDC) and article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 M Preliminary Competition Regulations. Consequently, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee has declared the match in question to have been forfeited by a score of 3-0.”

The statement added that SAFA have ten days to request a motivated decision, with the case open to a potential appeal.

The ruling leaves Bafana under pressure heading into their final two qualifiers against Zimbabwe and Rwanda. Wins in both fixtures are now essential if they are to secure a place at the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

The blow comes as Broos faces another setback with injuries in his squad. Defender Ime Okon suffered a knock while playing for Hannover 96 in Germany’s Bundesliga 2. The 21-year-old was forced off in the first half of Hannover’s win over Arminia Bielefeld and is awaiting medical tests. With squad selection for the final qualifiers imminent, his availability is in serious doubt.

South Africa’s path to qualification now hangs on results in their closing fixtures, with no room left for error.

Photo: CharlŽ Lombard/Gallo Images

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Dylan Johnson