Teboho Mokoena suspension sparks Lesotho threat ahead of South Africa clash

South African midfielder Teboho Mokoena’s eligibility has become a major talking point in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with the Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) threatening formal action if the player is fielded again before serving his suspension.

Mokoena was controversially selected for South Africa’s clash against Lesotho on Matchday 5, despite having received two yellow cards earlier in the qualifiers, which should have ruled him out of the fixture.

The decision has caused uproar among South Africa’s Group C rivals, who are pushing for a points deduction. Lesotho has now joined Benin and Nigeria in challenging South Africa’s actions, intensifying the dispute.

The latest escalation comes as South Africa prepares to face Lesotho again on Friday, 5 September 2025, in another crucial qualifier. LeFA has warned that any attempt to include Mokoena in the squad will trigger an official protest.

The association argues that the midfielder has yet to serve his mandatory suspension, and FIFA has yet to deliver a ruling on the matter.

“If South Africa dares to play Teboho Mokoena, we will lodge a protest. We will also challenge the previous match because he never served the suspension he was supposed to serve,” said LeFA secretary Mokhosi Mohapi. “We will wait three minutes after the start of the match and then submit a formal complaint.”

South Africa currently tops Group C with 13 points, while Rwanda and Benin follow with 8 points each. Nigeria sits fourth on 7 points, narrowly ahead of Lesotho, who occupy fifth place with 6 points.

A successful appeal from Lesotho could see South Africa penalised, throwing the group wide open and reshaping the race for World Cup qualification.

The controversy has heightened tensions ahead of Friday’s clash, with LeFA determined to ensure fairness in the competition.

Mohapi’s warning signals a firm stance from the Lesotho camp, who believe South Africa’s actions undermine the integrity of the qualifiers.

For South Africa, the dispute adds pressure at a pivotal stage of their qualifying campaign. While Bafana Bafana remain in a strong position to advance, a deduction of three points could dramatically alter the group standings and revive the hopes of their rivals.

As FIFA reviews the case, the outcome of the Mokoena saga could have significant implications for Group C. With the stakes high and tempers flaring, all eyes will be on South Africa’s team sheet this Friday, where a single selection decision could decide not only the match but the trajectory of their entire qualifying campaign.