In a dramatic twist that has thrown African World Cup qualifying Group C into disarray, FIFA has sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player, deducting three crucial points from Bafana Bafana’s tally.
The ruling from FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee concerns South Africa’s World Cup qualifier against Lesotho on March 21, 2025.
The governing body found that SAFA fielded midfielder Teboho Mokoena in the match while he was suspended due to an accumulation of yellow cards.
As a result, the match has been officially forfeited and awarded as a 3-0 victory to Lesotho.
SAFA has also been fined 10,000 Swiss Francs (approx. $11,000 USD), while Mokoena has been issued a formal warning.
The sanction has immediate and severe consequences for the Group C standings, completely reshaping the battle for a place at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The New Group C Landscape
With just two matchdays remaining, the points deduction has turned the table on its head.
South Africa, who were sitting pretty at the top of the group, have now been pulled back into a fierce dogfight.
Here is the revised table:
1. Benin Republic- 14 points
2. South Africa – 14 points (Goal difference now the tie-breaker)
3. Nigeria – 11 points
4. Rwanda- 11 points
5. Lesotho – 9 points
6. Zimbabwe – 4 points
The ruling has catapulted the Benin Republic, who were previously in second place, to the top of the group on goal difference.
South Africa now sits in a precarious second, with the Super Eagles of Nigeria and Rwanda breathing down their necks, just three points behind.
READ ALSO:Â FIFA Disciplinary Update: South Africa Avoids Sanction Despite Player Eligibility Row
A Tight Finish in Store
The final two matchdays in March 2026 are now set for a nail-biting conclusion, with every match carrying immense weight.
South Africa’s Path: Bafana Bafana face a tricky away fixture against bottom-side Zimbabwe before a potentially decisive final-day clash at home against Rwanda. They can no longer afford a single misstep.
Benin’s Challenge: The new group leaders have a difficult run-in, facing an away double-header against Rwanda and then Nigeria. Their fate is firmly in their own hands, but the road is tough.
Nigeria’s Hope: The Super Eagles, who were once on the brink of elimination, have been handed a lifeline.
The question on every fan’s mind: Can Nigeria win their last two games and hope to qualify? The final two matches will provide the ultimate answer.