South Africa's Bafana Bafana loses 3 points for fielding an ineligible Player, Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho.
FIFA also fined the South African Football Association $12,500. pic.twitter.com/oB8hg6JGTX
— Africa Facts Zone (@AfricaFactsZone) September 29, 2025
FIFA has sanctioned South Africa for fielding Teboho Mokoena against Lesotho, overturning their win.
South Africa’s World Cup qualifying campaign has been hit after FIFA sanctioned them for fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena.
The 28-year-old featured in a 2-0 win over Lesotho in March despite serving a suspension for two yellow cards. A FIFA disciplinary committee ruled the breach a violation of competition rules, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 forfeit victory.
The South African Football Association was fined 10,000 Swiss Francs ($12,500), while Mokoena received a warning.
The decision leaves Group C finely poised, with South Africa dropping from first to second on goal difference behind Benin. Only the group winners qualify directly for the 2026 World Cup.
The ruling also revives the hopes of Nigeria and Rwanda, who are now three points adrift with two fixtures remaining in October.