FIFA Rules Prevent Lesotho from Challenging the Oversight, as Bafana Bafana Secures Another Win
South Africa’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, avoided potential sanctions after midfielder Teboho Mokoena played in their recent 1-0 victory over Lesotho—despite being ineligible due to suspension.
Mokoena, who received yellow cards in previous matches against Benin (2023) and Zimbabwe (last year), should have served an automatic one-match ban. However, a South African Football Association (SAFA) official admitted that team management failed to enforce the suspension.
“The team management were guilty of incompetence ahead of the Lesotho match. Mokoena should not have played,” the unnamed official told AFP. “But FIFA rules require protests within 24 hours, and Lesotho didn’t lodge one.”
Lesotho’s Football Association Secretary-General, Mokhosi Mohapi, confirmed they had sent a formal inquiry to FIFA and CAF regarding the incident but did not specify when. Under FIFA’s disciplinary code, the 24-hour protest window cannot be extended, likely ending any chance of a challenge.
Meanwhile, South Africa went on to defeat Benin 2-0 in their next match, with Mokoena sitting out as required. Despite dominating possession, Bafana Bafana struggled to break Benin’s defense until the 53rd minute, when Burnley striker Lyle Foster tapped in a cross from Fawaaz Basadien. Substitute Jayden Adams sealed the win late, heading in Oswin Appollis’ free-kick.
The oversight could have had serious consequences, but with no formal protest filed in time, South Africa escapes unscathed—for now.
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