By Nhlakanipho Mnqayi
Bafana Bafana have suffered a major blow in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. This comes after the FIFA Disciplinary Committee sanctioned the South African Football Association (SAFA) for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in the match against Lesotho on 27 March 2026.
The sanction means that FIFA has deducted 3 points and the match has been forfeited with a 3-0 loss, moving them to the second spot on the Group C log with 14 points. SAFA has also been ordered to pay a fine of around R200 000, while Mokoena has been issued with a warning.
This major blow comes ahead of the crucial match against neighbours Zimbabwe next Friday, 10 October at Moses Mabhida Stadium, before closing the qualifiers against Rwanda. Bafana must win these matches to keep its hopes of qualifying for the 2026 FIFA World Cup alive.
