The Lesotho Football Association (LFA) has officially lodged a complaint with FIFA, disputing South Africa’s fielding of midfielder Teboho Mokoena in last Friday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier.
The LFA claims that Mokoena, who played in Bafana Bafana’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho, was ineligible due to an accumulation of yellow cards. The association argues that South Africa should be stripped of the three points from the match.
According to FIFA regulations, a player who receives two yellow cards in separate matches must serve a one-game suspension. Mokoena had been booked in South Africa’s 2-1 win over Benin in November 2023 and again in their 3-1 victory against Zimbabwe in November 2024. Despite this, he was included in the squad against Lesotho, raising concerns over a potential regulatory breach.
LFA Secretary-General Mokhosi Mohapi confirmed that a formal inquiry had been sent to FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
“The question is, was a rule broken? If yes, we are fully entitled to protest and get the points,” Mohapi told Sowetan Live.
He also noted that Nigeria is reportedly considering a similar protest, as the decision could impact multiple teams in the qualifying race.
“If the situation were reversed, South Africa would have done the same,” he added.
Should FIFA rule in Lesotho’s favor, South Africa could forfeit their three points, awarding Lesotho a 3-0 victory instead.
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