South Africa’s World Cup Dream in Danger Over Player Mistake
South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup are now uncertain after a possible mistake involving midfielder Teboho Mokoena.
Reports say South Africa, also known as Bafana Bafana, may lose three important points because Mokoena played in their 2–0 win against Lesotho, even though he might have been suspended.
Mokoena was given yellow cards in two earlier matches — against Benin and Zimbabwe. According to FIFA rules, this should have meant a one-match ban. But he still played in the next match against Lesotho.
If FIFA confirms this mistake, South Africa may lose the win, and Lesotho could be given a 3–0 victory. This would drop South Africa’s points from 13 to 10, making it harder for them to stay at the top of Group C. Right now, they are ahead of Rwanda and Benin by five points and Nigeria by six.
One source said the team must stay focused despite the problem. “It’s a mistake, but we need to move on and win the rest of our matches. We can still qualify,” the source said.
Many are now asking how the South African Football Association (SAFA) allowed this to happen in such an important competition. FIFA and SAFA have not yet made official statements, but one may come soon.
South Africa hasn’t been to the World Cup since hosting it in 2010. With key games still to play, every point now matters more than ever.
Meanwhile, SportsRations’ Nsikakabasi Akpan believes South Africa have a good chance of overcoming this very hurdle.
