South Africa Penalized in World Cup Qualifiers for Player Eligibility

South Africa’s aspirations for the upcoming World Cup have suffered a significant blow as FIFA has stripped the national team of three points in their qualifying campaign. The decision, announced on Monday, stems from the fielding of an ineligible player during a crucial match against Lesotho, which took place in March 2024.

In the game, South Africa secured a 2-0 victory, but it was later revealed that midfielder Tebeho Mokoena should not have participated. Mokoena had received two yellow cards in earlier matches of Group C, which necessitated his suspension for the qualifier against Lesotho. Consequently, the match result has been overturned, and Lesotho has been awarded a 3-0 win, resulting in South Africa losing the three points they initially gained.

Despite this setback, South Africa currently remains at the top of Group C but is now tied on points with Benin, both teams having accumulated 14 points. The positioning is determined by goal difference, with South Africa holding the edge for the moment. With only two games remaining in the qualifying rounds, the stakes are high for both teams as they vie for a spot in the finals.

The repercussions of FIFA’s ruling extend beyond mere points lost; they also cast a shadow over South Africa’s preparations and strategies leading into the final qualifying matches. The team must now not only focus on winning their upcoming games but also on overcoming the psychological impact of this ruling.

As the qualifying campaign draws to a close, the attention of fans and analysts alike will be closely fixed on South Africa’s performance. With the potential for qualification still within reach, the national team faces the challenge of navigating through the remaining matches with heightened pressure and expectations.