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South Africa’s World Cup qualifying campaign has been plunged into uncertainty because of one mistake: the Teboho Mokoena affair, Footynaija.com reports.
With FIFA yet to issue its ruling, the saga could reshape Group C and Nigeria’s clash with Bafana Bafana in Bloemfontein on Tuesday has taken on an even sharper edge.
Here are seven key things to know.
1. The bookings that caused it all
Mokoena picked up two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers, which should have ruled him out of South Africa’s clash with Lesotho in March. Instead, the dynamic midfielder started the game and helped Bafana Bafana to a 2-0 win.
2. The protest that won’t go away
Lesotho immediately objected, filing a formal protest with FIFA. If upheld, South Africa would forfeit the match, lose three points, and Lesotho would be awarded a 3-0 win.
3. SAFA’s defence
The South African FA argue that Mokoena served his suspension in the next fixture against Benin. Their position: he missed that game, so the requirement was met.
4. The flaw in that logic
Lesotho insist SAFA had no right to decide when a ban applies. FIFA rules typically enforce suspensions in the immediately following fixture, not one chosen at convenience.
5. FIFA’s silence isn’t safety
Five months on, FIFA has yet to announce its verdict. But Nigeria legend and FIFA Technical Group member Sunday Oliseh has warned: “South Africa is in trouble.” Silence doesn’t mean escape. It usually means investigation.
6. The group could be flipped
South Africa currently sit top with 16 points. A three-point deduction would tighten the race dramatically, dragging Nigeria and Benin closer. With three games left, the fallout could be decisive.
7. The Super Eagles need to do their bit
For Nigeria, though, there is no cause to celebrate just yet. A FIFA sanction might help later, but the Super Eagles need to take matters into their own hands in Bloemfontein. Beat South Africa first, then see what the lawyers and bureaucrats decide.
