South Africa is facing potential points deduction for fielding an ineligible player, an opportunity that their group mate, Nigeria will be hoping to grab after failing to beat Zimbabwe at home in their must win qualifying match.
South Africa’s World Cup qualifying campaign now faces a setback as FIFA reviews allegations of fielding an ineligible player during their 2-0 win over Lesotho. The Bafana Bafana, currently leading Group C with ten points, may lose three points if found guilty.
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena, a key player for Hugo Broos’s side, reportedly should have been suspended after accumulating two yellow cards—one against Benin Republic on matchday one and another against Zimbabwe on matchday four.
According to Article 67 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, any player who receives cautions in two separate matches must serve an automatic suspension in the following game.
If FIFA rules against South Africa, the points deduction could significantly impact their qualification hopes, especially in a competitive group that includes Nigeria and other strong contenders.
