Lesotho Challenges Bafana Bafana’s Win Over Mokoena’s Suspension Mix-Up

Lesotho’s football authorities have officially asked FIFA to clarify whether Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena should have been suspended for last Friday’s World Cup qualifier.

Mokoena, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns, picked up yellow cards in two separate qualifiers—against Benin in 2023 and Zimbabwe in 2024.

According to FIFA rules, that should have resulted in a one-match ban, meaning he wasn’t supposed to play in Bafana’s 2-0 win over Lesotho in Polokwane. Now, Lesotho wants answers.

Could Bafana Bafana Lose Points?

If FIFA rules that Mokoena was ineligible, Bafana could lose the three points from the win. That would be a massive setback, considering they currently lead Group C by five points after Tuesday’s victory over Benin.

Lesotho FA (LFA) secretary-general Mokhosi Mohapi says they have every right to challenge the result.

“The question is, was a rule broken? If yes, we are fully entitled to protest and get the points,” Mohapi stated.

Adding more fuel to the fire, Nigeria is also reportedly looking into a protest, arguing that the result affects the whole group.

Did Lesotho Miss Their Chance?

A potential loophole for Bafana is FIFA’s disciplinary code, which states that protests must be lodged within 24 hours after a match. If that rule is enforced, Lesotho’s case could be dismissed.

However, Mohapi insists the time limit won’t be an issue: “There’s no such. If the protest is valid, FIFA will look into it.”

FIFA now has to decide whether Mokoena’s yellow cards carried over from the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) or not. If they did, Bafana is safe. If not, South Africa could be in serious trouble—just like Ethiopia was in 2013 when they lost points for a similar situation.

A source within SAFA (South African Football Association) blamed the mishap on “administrative incompetence,” saying team manager Vincent Tseka should have made sure Mokoena sat out.

For now, all eyes are on FIFA’s response. Will Bafana keep their points, or will this mix-up cost them?

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