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Nigeria's emerging quest for a spot in the 2026 World Cup received an unforeseen advantage over the weekend, as South Africa supposedly played an unqualified player in their 2-0 victory against Lesotho at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.
Prior to yesterday's matches, South Africa topped Group C with 10 points after their win against Lesotho. Benin Republic was in second place with eight points, followed by Rwanda with seven.
The Super Eagles occupied the fourth spot with six points, while Lesotho fell to fifth after their loss to Bafana Bafana.
However, the standings may alter due to Lesotho's challenge regarding the eligibility of Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder, Teboho Mokoena, for the match. Reports indicate that Mokoena was deemed ineligible because of accumulated yellow cards.
According to sportswire.co.za, Mokoena received a booking against Benin Republic in November 2023 at Moses Mabhida Stadium and another against Zimbabwe in June at Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein. With two yellow cards, he should have been suspended for the encounter with Lesotho, yet he participated until the 82nd minute before being replaced by Thalente Mbatha.
Despite initially missing a 24-hour window to lodge a protest, Lesotho FA is reportedly convening an emergency meeting to consider how to appeal to FIFA regarding Mokoena’s ineligibility. As a precaution, the South African Football Association (SAFA) instructed their technical staff not to include Mokoena in yesterday's World Cup qualifier against Benin Republic.
The Lesotho Football Association (LFA) confirmed they have sent a query to FIFA regarding this matter. There is ambiguity over whether Mokoena's first yellow card was nullified during last year's Africa Cup of Nations, but FIFA regulations stipulate that bookings are cumulative "from round to round," which excludes AFCON from consideration.
"The key question is whether a rule was violated. If it was, we have every right to protest and secure the points. We were aware of Mokoena's bookings and have submitted a formal inquiry to CAF and FIFA," stated LFA secretary-general Mokhosi Mohapi.
"We have heard that Nigeria wishes to protest as well, and they too are justified in doing so since the result (from last Friday) affects everyone. If we had fielded an ineligible player and gained points, Bafana would have taken the same action."
Mohapi emphasized that South Africa cannot use their geographic closeness to Lesotho as justification for not filing a protest. "Sadly, the rules are the rules, and SAFA should have been aware of the bookings. We hold no animosity; we want those points."
Mokoena received a yellow card on the cusp of halftime during Bafana’s match against Benin Republic in November 2023, ending in a 2-1 victory for South Africa, and again in November 2024 against Zimbabwe, where SA triumphed 3-1. According to FIFA regulations, he should not have been eligible to play in last week's match.
The chances of South Africa losing points from last week appear significant, reflecting past instances. In 2013, Botswana successfully protested against Ethiopia for utilizing a player with two accumulated bookings in their qualifying match. FIFA intervened and awarded a 3-0 victory to Botswana.
In response to allegations that Lesotho should have protested within 24 hours post-match, Mohapi asserted: "That is not the case. If the protest is valid, FIFA will review it. We await their reply." SAFA has already initiated an investigation into the situation, with some officials attributing "administrative incompetence" for Mokoena's appearance on the field when he should not have played. The team manager should have informed the coach (Hugo Broos) about Mokoena's two yellow cards; he was not meant to participate."
Reports suggest that SAFA is advocating for a monetary penalty instead of a points deduction, which could adversely affect their qualification prospects for the World Cup.
Stakeholders are also inclined to urge FIFA, alongside Nigeria, Benin Republic, and other Group C teams, to adhere strictly to the regulations in order to uphold the game's integrity.
