Bafana on target to qualify for 2026 World Cup Bafana Bafana players pose for a team photograph ahead of Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Benin in Abidjan. South Africa won the game 2-0 to extend their lead at the top of Group C to five points. Photo: Sia Kambou/AFP
Image: Sia Kambou/AFP
South Africans have been gripped with anxiety ever since reports emerged that Bafana Bafana could be stripped of three crucial points for fielding an ineligible player in their 2-0 victory over Lesotho. What should have been a routine win has now turned into a potential disaster, as FIFA deliberates on whether to take action.
Bafana delivered a dominant performance, outclassing their neighbours with ease, but the celebrations were cut short when it was revealed that Teboho Mokoena, a midfield lynchpin, should have been serving a one-match suspension. Having picked up yellow cards in two previous matches, Mokoena was ineligible to play — an oversight that could prove costly.
Lesotho didn’t file a complaint in the 24 hours after the match, which means South Africa could get away without having to lose any points. But, FIFA can still decide to punish Bafana to make an example out of them. At this point, anything can happen.
South Africa’s tardiness in missing Mokoena’s suspension has been greeted enthusiastically by Nigeria, who have been having a torrid qualification campaign and are well off the pace. As things stand, the Super Eagles are not in a good place. The Nigerian Football Federation have said they have taken the issue up with FIFA, as have Lesotho.
Should Hugo Broos’ team be deducted three points, Nigeria will suddenly find themselves within touching distance, but they will still need to prove themselves on the pitch. Bafana Bafana have been, by far, the best team in Group C, and Tuesday's results — where both Rwanda and Nigeria were held to 1-1 draws by Southern African neighbors Lesotho and Zimbabwe — have worked in South Africa's favor.
Even if they lose three points, Bafana Bafana will still hold a two-point lead over second-place Rwanda at the top of the group.
With four qualifiers remaining, their fate will remain in their own hands. If the deduction happens, Broos will be confident that his team can secure wins against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda, while a draw against Nigeria — even at home — wouldn't be the worst result.
South Africans would prefer it if Bafana didn’t lose any points, but if they do, it wouldn’t be completely a bad thing. Broos has a good team who have played beautifully in recent months, and it’s up to football lovers in South Africa to believe that they can still qualify for the World Cup.
Bafana Bafana’s journey to World Cup qualification has hit an unexpected bump, but this should serve as a rallying cry rather than a setback. The team has already shown its quality, and while off-field issues threaten to complicate matters, their destiny remains in their hands.
Now is the time for players, coaches, and supporters alike to stay focused and push forward with even greater determination. Whether or not FIFA intervenes, South Africa has the talent and resilience to secure their spot on the biggest stage – they just need to go out there and prove it.
IOL Sport
* The views expressed are not necessarily the views of IOL or Independent Media.
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