Lesotho confirms letter to Fifa over Mokoena ineligibility, admits Nigeria fully entitled to protest

The Lesotho Football Association (LFA) has officially written to FIFA, challenging South Africa’s use of Teboho Mokoena in last Friday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier. 

The LFA claims the midfielder was ineligible to play due to accumulated yellow cards and argues that South Africa should be stripped of the three points from their 2-0 victory.

Mokoena received bookings in South Africa’s 2-1 win over Benin in November 2023 and their 3-1 victory against Zimbabwe in November 2024. 

Under FIFA’s regulations, a player who accumulates two yellow cards in separate matches must serve a one-game suspension. 

However, Mokoena was fielded against Lesotho, raising concerns over a breach of the rules.

LFA secretary-general Mokhosi Mohapi confirmed the letter to FIFA and stated that South Africa’s governing body, Safa, should have been aware of the suspension. 

"The question is, was a rule broken? If yes, we are fully entitled to protest and get the points,” Mohapi was quoted as saying by Sowetan Live.

"We were made aware of Mokoena’s bookings and have sent a formal inquiry to CAF and FIFA."

Mohapi also acknowledged reports that Nigeria might join the protest, stating that they had every right to do so. 

"We have heard that Nigeria also wants to protest, and they too are entitled to that because the result prejudices everyone. 

"Suppose it was us who fielded an ineligible player and got the points—Bafana would have done the same,” he added.

If FIFA rules in Lesotho’s favor, South Africa could forfeit the three points from last week’s match, and a 3-0 win would be awarded to Lesotho. 

A precedent exists, as FIFA handed Botswana a similar victory in 2013 when Ethiopia fielded an ineligible player in a World Cup qualifier.

Questions over Mokoena’s eligibility grew stronger when he was absent from South Africa’s lineup against Benin on Tuesday, suggesting Safa was aware of the risk. 

With FIFA yet to respond, South Africa now faces the prospect of losing vital points in their World Cup qualifying campaign, while Nigeria and other Group C teams closely monitor the situation.

Wale Adejumo

Photo Credit: safa.net

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