Teboho Mokoena played for Bafana Bafana of South Africa when he should serve suspension for receiving two bookings in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
South Africa have potentially landed themselves in hot waters following a technical error, which saw them illegally field an ineligible player in Teboho Mokoena, during their meeting with Lesotho in the round five of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Polokwane on Friday evening.
The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder had picked up two booking in the ongoing qualifiers, and should be ineligible to represent the country in their most recent game as the second of the booking came in round four, ultimately handing him a suspension for the next game.
Teboho Mokoena, who has appeared in all of his country’s game so far, was booked in the round one of the qualifiers for a foul on Benin’s Jodel Dossou in the 54th minute, a match which they won 2-1 in Durban to kickoff their qualifying campaign.
His most recent came in the 3-1 win over Zimbabwe in the forth round. The 28-year-old was penalized for a foul on Andy Rinomhota and was shown another yellow card, which ruled him out of the game against Lesotho in round five.
Unfortunately, that booking came more than eight months ago, and the management of Bafana Bafana may have forgotten, but that is not an excuse in elite competition, and justice has to be served.
The FIFA regulation clearly states that; “If players or team officials receive two cautions in one match or in TWO DIFFERENT MATCHES OF THE SAME COMPETITION, THEY WILL BE AUTOMATICALLY SUSPENDED FROM THEIR TEAM’S SUBSEQUENT MATCH.”
Teboho Mokoena played 82 minutes as South Africa defeated Lesotho 2-0 in Polokwane thanks to secondhalf goals from Relebohile Mofokeng and Jayden Adams to extend their lead at the summit of Group C, moving to ten points.
The revelation of their mistake will definitely prove costly, and change the look of things in the Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Members of group, most especially their major rivals and Lesotho, the one who will directly benefit from a potential verdict, will eagerly await CAF’s verdict on the misconduct.
Potential Punishment for South Africa for Playing Teboho Mokoena
Forfeiture of the Match
The most popular verdict is that South Africa forfeit the match and a 3-0 win is awarded to their opponent, Lesotho, who currently sit fifth on the standing with five points from as many games.
Nigeria, fellow member of the Group C, fell victim of the same case in their final game of the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with Algeria, with ended in a 1-1 draw.
The Super Eagles, under Gernot Rohr, mistakenly fielded Shehu Abdulahi, who was suspended for the match having received two yellow cards. It led to a forfeit, with a 3-0 win awarded to the Desert Warriors of Algeria while the deficit was recorded for the three time African champions.
Fortunately, Nigeria had earned enough points to still finish ahead of everyone in the group despite the unfavourable verdict. It could be different for Hugo Broos’ charge.
Should the same verdict be passed this time, Bafana Bafana will drop to third on the log, while Lesotho will move ahead of everyone on the log to first, level on points with Benin but better on goal difference.
Other Forms of Punishment
Although there are other possible penalties, however, the nature of the competition suggests the aforementioned is most applicable, and the fact that it has been dealt with like this in the past makes it a text book decision.
Points deduction is also another realistic punishment.
Financial penalties, suspension of player and disqualification are also part of the options, but none of these will be anticipated, when CAF eventually seat and decide on the inevitable.
Good news for Nigeria
This controversy and potential punishment absolutely plays to the prayers and hopes of the Super Eagles and their quest to reach the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Following their poor start to the qualifiers, they found themselves with a mountain to climb as the trio of South Africa, Benin and Rwanda set the pace.
They ultimately make up for lost ground with their first win of the qualifiers, a historic 2-0 win over Rwanda in Kigali in round five, and the news of South Africa’s misfortune will definitely make their task a tad easier.
2 Comments
Miracle no Dey tire Jesus
I’m there jor