Lesotho FA threatens to file protest against South Africa

Lesotho Football Association has threatened to file protest against South Africa ahead of their 2026 World Cup qualifier.

In a much-anticipated clash on Friday, the Crocodiles of Lesotho will play host to the Bafana Bafana at the Free State Stadium in matchday seven of the qualifying series.

Ahead of the match, Lesotho FA plans to file a protest after the match against Bafana Bafana provided midfielder Teboho Mokoena feature against them.

Lesotho argues the midfielder is suspended for the upcoming clash. The issue surrounding Mokoena has been a topic of discussion since South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Likuena earlier this year.

The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder received two yellow cards, making him ineligible to play in the match against Lesotho; however, he still participated.

According to FIFA regulations, if an ineligible player competes in a qualifying match, the team he represents can be penalised by losing three points, provided the opposing team submits a protest within 24 hours of the match’s conclusion.

However, Lesotho FA Secretary General Mokhosi Mohapi insists his outfit will protest a minute into the match if Mokoena is included in the matchday squad.

“If South Africa dare play Teboho Mokoena, we will lodge a protest and will tell you why…We will lodge a protest which goes back to the other match, because he has never served the suspension that he was meant to have served,” he said on Soccer Beat.

“The suspension was supposed to be automatic during the match against Lesotho. Against Benin, he did not serve the suspension; he was not picked for that match.

Meanwhile, FIFA are yet to issue a statement surrounding the outcome of the Mokoena saga. Bafana Bafana and Lesotho will face each other, unsure whether the association will deduct points from South Africa.

South Africa currently sit top of Group C, accumulating 13 points from six matches, while Lesotho occupies fifth spot with six points.