Bafana Bafana Drop to Second in Group C After FIFA Disciplinary Ruling

South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup have been thrown into serious doubt after world football governing body FIFA docked Bafana Bafana three crucial points for fielding an ineligible player in a qualifier against Lesotho.

The disciplinary blow comes after midfielder Teboho Mokoena featured in the 2–0 win on 21 March 2025 in Polokwane despite being suspended for the match. Mokoena had accumulated two yellow cards in earlier fixtures, automatically triggering a one-match ban under FIFA rules.

FIFA Ruling: Match Forfeited, Points Deducted

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee found the South African Football Association (SAFA) guilty of breaching Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the 2026 Preliminary Competition Regulations.

The consequences are severe:

• South Africa’s 2–0 victory is overturned and awarded as a 3–0 win to Lesotho.
• Bafana Bafana lose three points, dropping from the top of Group C.
• Benin leapfrogs South Africa into first place.
• SAFA has been fined CHF 10,000 (approx. R220,000).
• Teboho Mokoena has received a formal warning.

“The FIFA Disciplinary Committee has declared the match in question to have been forfeited… SAFA has also been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000,” FIFA confirmed in an official statement.

Group C Shake-Up

The ruling has completely altered the Group C standings:

Before the ruling

• 🇿🇦 South Africa – 17 pts (8 games)
• 🇧🇯 Benin – 14 pts
• 🇳🇬 Nigeria – 11 pts
• 🇷🇼 Rwanda – 11 pts
• 🇱🇸 Lesotho – 6 pts
• 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe – 4 pts

After the ruling

• 🇧🇯 Benin – 14 pts (+4 GD)
• 🇿🇦 South Africa – 14 pts (+3 GD)
• 🇳🇬 Nigeria – 11 pts (+2 GD)
• 🇷🇼 Rwanda – 11 pts (0 GD)
• 🇱🇸 Lesotho – 9 pts (–3 GD)
• 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe – 4 pts

South Africa now sit second on goal difference, leaving their qualification hopes hanging by a thread.

Pressure on SAFA and Hugo Broos

The ruling has sparked outrage among supporters and analysts, many describing the blunder as a “rookie administrative error” at a critical stage of qualification. Critics have pointed fingers at both SAFA officials and the technical team of coach Hugo Broos for failing to monitor player suspensions.

With only two matches remaining, Bafana Bafana must now win both upcoming fixtures against:

• 🇿🇼 Zimbabwe (Friday, 10 October, 18:00)
• 🇷🇼 Rwanda (Tuesday, 14 October, 18:00)

Even then, their fate could depend on other results, especially as Benin still face Rwanda and Nigeria.

What Happens Next?

SAFA has the option to appeal the ruling within 10 days, but unless the FIFA Appeal Committee overturns it, the forfeiture stands.

Meanwhile, the incident has reignited debate about administrative competence in South African football, with many warning that such lapses risk undoing the progress made under Broos in recent years.

Fan & Expert Reaction

• “This is self-sabotage of the highest order,” wrote one former player.
• Fans on social media have blasted SAFA, saying the ruling could cost South Africa its first World Cup appearance since 2010.
• Analysts warn the ruling not only dents morale but could also complicate future player management systems if reforms are not implemented.