The FIFA Disciplinary Committee confirmed on Monday that Teboho Mokoena was ineligible when he appeared in South Africa’s Group C qualifier against Lesotho on March 21, 2025.
The committee said South Africa violated both Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations. As a result, the match has been forfeited, and Lesotho has been awarded a 3-0 victory.
The ruling reduces South Africa’s points from 17 to 14 and places them second in Group C, behind Benin on goal difference. Lesotho now receives the three points from the forfeited match.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles, who sit third in the group just three points behind South Africa, now have renewed hope of advancing, with two games still to play.
The decision can still be appealed to the FIFA Appeal Committee.
Group C standings after South Africa’s point deduction:
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Haha, bless the Super Eagles luck! Just when you thought South Africa couldnt get any points deducted, along comes Teboho Mokoena to gift Nigeria three precious points. Who needs a miracle when youve got FIFAs disciplinary committee working overtime? South Africas now second, but imagine the stress! Poor Bafana Bafana, always one ineligible player away from chaos. Nigerias hope is definitely brighter now, though. Two games left, and who knows what happens? Maybe the NFF should start preparing the welcome party now! 😂