Mokoena saga: Lesotho FA chief reveals stance on Bafana Bafana’s potential punishment as Nigeria remain hopeful

Lesotho Football Association secretary-general Mokhosi Mohapi has called on FIFA to sanction South Africa for fielding an ineligible player during their 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier on Friday, Footynaija.com reports.

Mohapi’s demand comes after Bafana Bafana deployed Teboho Mokoena in the middle of the park in their 2-0 win over Lesotho despite the Mamalodi Sundowns midfielder having accumulated two yellow cards in previous games, making him due for a suspension.

As per FIFA disciplinary rules, any team that fields an ineligible player may be subject to disciplinary action if the opposing team files a protest. The penalty includes forfeiting the match as well as a minimum fine of CHF 6,000.

If an investigation is launched and South Africa is found guilty, they will lose the three points won against Lesotho, while the Crocodiles will be awarded the points, potentially boosting their qualification prospects.

South Africa risks a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible Player in their game against Lesotho.

Teboho Mokoena had two yellow cards in two games against Benin and Zimbabwe.

South Africa are currently at the top of Group C in the FIFA World Cup African Qualifiers. pic.twitter.com/HQ1A9d4SP9

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In this light, Mohapi has called on FIFA’s attention, registering the Lesotho FA’s displeasure and demanding that the necessary disciplinary actions be implemented.

“The question is, was a rule broken? If yes, we are fully entitled to protest and get the points. We were made aware of Mokoena’s bookings, and we have since sent a formal inquiry to CAF and Fifa,” he told the Sowetan.

“We have heard that Nigeria also want to protest and they too are entitled to that because the result (last Friday) prejudices everyone. Suppose it was us who fielded a defaulter and got the points, Bafana would have done the same.

“Unfortunately, the law is the law and Safa should have known about the bookings. We have no hard feelings. We want those points.”

Hope for Nigeria?

If the FIFA confirms a penalty for Bafana Bafana, they would drop from 13 to 10 points, reducing Nigeria’s deficit to just three points. This means the Super Eagles’ will have to close out the qualifying campaign with four wins and hope that the results of all the other teams go in their favour.

Essentially, the fate of the Super Eagles is now in the hands of the other teams in group C. They must abandon their inconsistent and profligate performances and begin to maximize their obviously immense potential if they are to make the most of any slip ups by their rivals.