Kinshasa, September 30th, 2025 (CPA).- South Africa’s Bafana Bafana lost their match against Lesotho’s Crocodiles by default (3-0) for fielding a suspended player in the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, according to the website of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). ‘Due to the fielding of midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who was suspended after receiving two yellow cards in previous matches against Benin and Zimbabwe, South Africa lost the match by default, equivalent to 3-0,’ the source said. According to the source, the South African Football Association has been ordered to pay a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs (more than 7 million CFA francs), while the player in question has received an additional warning.
According to the source, despite this sanction, the South African Football Association still has a right of appeal, in accordance with the regulations, and has ten days to request the detailed reasons for the decision before it can refer the matter to the FIFA Appeal Committee. For its part, Lesotho takes advantage of the forfeit to earn three additional points, while remaining fifth in Group C.
Benin, new leader of Group C
The Cheetahs of Benin (Ph Archives)
Following FIFA’s sanction against South Africa, with its 14 points, Benin has become the new leader of Group C, tied with South Africa, which has one goal less than Benin. This turnaround revives the competition in Group C, giving all teams a better chance of competing for direct qualification. New Group C standings: Benin (14 pts, +4), South Africa (14 pts, +3), Nigeria (11 pts, +2), Rwanda (11 pts, 0), Lesotho (09 pts, -6), Zimbabwe (04 pts, -6).