FIFA, the global governing body of football, has awarded Lesotho three points and three goals after South Africa fielded an ineligible player, Theboho Mokoena.
Mokoena, who plays for Mamelodi Sundowns in the Premier Soccer League, was supposed to serve a suspension for accumulating two yellow cards in previous games against Benin Republic and Zimbabwe, but he played in the fixture in Polokwane.
As a result, South Africa forfeits the three points from the 2-0 victory and Lesotho is granted the three points along with three additional goals.
Although Lesotho initially filed a formal complaint with FIFA, there are reports suggesting that the complaint may have been withdrawn.
This decision has significantly altered the group standings, making the race for World Cup qualification more competitive. Zimbabwe, now at the bottom of the group, trails South Africa by just four points, with four matches still to play.
The teams in Group C include Nigeria, South Africa, Benin, Zimbabwe, Rwanda, and Lesotho.
Meanwhile, Bafana Bafana continue their unbeaten run in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, signaling a strong return to form and igniting hopes of building on their recent success at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Under coach Hugo Broos, the national team is aiming for a resurgence on the continental stage.
