Did Bafana Bafana field an ineligible player? Lets find out now.
Bafana’s hard-fought 2-0 victory over Lesotho in their FIFA World Cup qualifier at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday is now under scrutiny. Reports suggest the team may have violated FIFA regulations by fielding Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who was ineligible to play due to accumulated yellow cards, according to Sportwire.
Mokoena received a caution against Benin in November 2023 at Moses Mabhida Stadium and another against Zimbabwe in June at Toyota Stadium, Bloemfontein. With two bookings, he should have been suspended for the match against Lesotho. Yet, he played until the 82nd minute before being substituted by Thalente Mbatha.
Lesotho FA scrambles for action
Although Lesotho FA had a 24-hour window to file a protest and initially failed to do so, sources reveal they are now holding an emergency meeting. They are reportedly exploring ways to approach FIFA with an appeal, citing Mokoena’s ineligibility.
South African Football Association (SAFA) has responded swiftly, instructing the technical team not to field Mokoena in the next World Cup qualifier against Benin on Tuesday at 18:00. This move indicates SAFA is aware of the potential repercussions.
Who’s to blame for this Bafana blunder?
Managing player suspensions falls under the Bafana Bafana team manager, Vincent Tseka. Insider sources have previously criticized Tseka for inefficiency and frequent disputes with the technical team. He was also blamed for failing to secure Dobsonville Stadium as a training venue in 2022. When Bafana hosted Sierra Leone.
Even though Lesotho FA missed the initial protest window. FIFA could still impose sanctions on SAFA for fielding an ineligible player. A fine remains a likely outcome, but the possibility of a points deduction or other penalties cannot be ruled out.
Group C standings: What’s at stake?
Following their win over Lesotho, Bafana Bafana currently leads Group C with 10 points after five matches, holding a two-point advantage over second-placed Benin. Any FIFA ruling against them could shake up their qualification hopes.
Stay tuned with The South African as we ask, did Bafana Bafana field an ineligible player? Will Bafana Bafana hold onto their top spot, or will this administrative oversight cost them dearly?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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