World Cup Qualifiers: South Africa’s 3 Points at Risk Due to Ineligible Player

After defeating Lesotho 2-0 last Friday, South Africa, who are now atop Group C in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Africa qualifications, could be penalized for using an ineligible player.
Due to his two yellow cards from previous games, Teboho Mokoena, the South African midfielder in question, was not allowed to play against Lesotho.
In a 2-1 victory over the Benin Republic at home in November 2023, Mokoena was given his first yellow card. In a 3-1 victory over Zimbabwe in June 2024, he was given another one.

He was still selected for the starting lineup against Lesotho, though, and played 82 minutes before being replaced by Thalente Mbatha.
A player who receives two yellow cards is prohibited from playing in any more games, according to FIFA’s qualifying rules.

FIFA rules provide that after two cautions in a single match or in a series of matches during the competition, players or team officials must be immediately suspended.

Currently trailing South Africa by four points in the group, Nigeria and Lesotho have the chance to formally dispute this circumstance. Any protest, though, must be made as soon as possible.

Within two hours following the match, FIFA requires that any questions about a player’s eligibility be submitted in writing to the FIFA Match Commissioner. Within twenty-four hours, the FIFA Disciplinary Committee must receive a complete report. The protest might not be taken seriously if the deadline is missed.

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Three points, or eight points, could be given to Lesotho if the protest is successful. This might drastically change the rankings, potentially enabling Nigeria to surpass South Africa, contingent on the outcome of future games.

With 10 points after five games, South Africa now leads the group. Benin Republic is next with 8 points, Rwanda is with 7 points, and Nigeria is in fourth position with 6 points. In the future, South Africa’s matchup with the Benin Republic will be very important in deciding where they finish in this tight group.