'We'd top the group' – Rohr on potential Fifa sanction against Bafana Bafana for selection blunder

Fifa has officially disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association after it was revealed that Bafana Bafana fielded an ineligible player Teboho Mokoena in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.

Bafana Bafana are under scrutiny after Mokoena, who was suspended due to yellow card accumulation, featured in their March qualifier against Lesotho.

The 28-year-old should have been serving a one-match suspension after picking up yellow cards against Benin in November 2023 and Zimbabwe in June 2024.

Despite the ban, he was included in the starting lineup against Lesotho on March 21, a match South Africa won 2-0.

The case is now with Fifa's Disciplinary Committee, which will determine the penalty.

South Africa could be forced to forfeit the match, handing Lesotho a 3-0 victory and three points, while additional sanctions such as a fine or suspension may also be imposed.

If Fifa rules in Lesotho’s favour, Benin would move level with Bafana Bafana on 14 points but ahead on goal difference, leaving both teams three points better off than third-placed Nigeria.

Benin coach Gernot Rohr welcomed the proceedings but expressed frustration at the delay.

"This has been dragging on since March. This matter should have been resolved earlier," Rohr told YOP L-FRII. 

"If the rules are strictly applied, with the goal average rule, we would be top of the group, level on points with South Africa but with one more goal."

Despite the potential boost, Rohr acknowledged that the Cheetahs still have a mountain to climb in their bid to qualify for the World Cup, including an away trip to Nigeria next month.

"The schedule doesn't favour us. We still have two difficult away games, including Rwanda, who still have a chance of qualifying. 

"Meanwhile, South Africa will play its last two matches at home, with less fatigue and the support of its home crowd. We remain outsiders, but this decision gives us some hope."

Lesotho did not lodge an appeal within the required timeframe, but Fifa retains the power to act unilaterally.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel

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