Bafana Bafana\u2019s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been overshadowed by the ongoing controversy surrounding Teboho Mokoena\u2019s ineligible appearance against Lesotho. South Africa claimed a 2-0 victory over Likuena at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium five months ago, but that win may yet be overturned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mokoena, a key figure in Hugo Broos\u2019 midfield, should not have played in that qualifier. Having already picked up two yellow cards in earlier matches against Zimbabwe and Benin, he was automatically suspended. By fielding him, Bafana may have handed their rivals an unexpected lifeline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
FIFA\u2019s disciplinary code is clear: if a team fields a player who is not eligible, whether due to suspension, nationality issues, or registration errors, the match is automatically forfeited. The default ruling is a 3-0 defeat, unless the original result was even worse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Initially, Bafana appeared safe because Lesotho did not lodge a complaint. However, FIFA\u2019s regulations emphasise automatic enforcement, not conditional punishment, meaning South Africa could still be stripped of the three points.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This uncertainty leaves Bafana Bafana vulnerable in Group C, where every point matters in the race for World Cup qualification.<\/p>\n\n\n\n