South Africa took a five-point lead in an African 2026 World Cup qualifying group after defeating Benin 2-0 on Tuesday.
However, the lead might be diminished because of last week’s fielding of an ineligible player.
Four days prior, Teboho Mokoena assisted South Africa in defeating Lesotho in round five, but he shouldn’t have played because he had already received two yellow cards, which automatically resulted in a one-match ban.
Mokoena was warned on matchday one against Benin in 2023 and matchday four against Zimbabwe last year, according to a South African Football Association official who asked to remain anonymous.
“Before the Lesotho match, the team management was incompetent. Mokoena shouldn’t have played,” he told AFP.
“However, FIFA rules state that protests must be lodged within 24 hours of a match ending, and my understanding is Lesotho did not do so.
“We have sent a formal inquiry to FIFA and CAF regarding Mokoena,” Mokhosi Mohapi, secretary-general of the Lesotho Football Association, told AFP.
But he didn’t specify when the question was sent. The 24-hour restriction (for protests) cannot be extended, according to the FIFA disciplinary regulations.
In a more straightforward victory than expected, South Africa shelved midfielder Mokoena against Benin in the sixth round.
It took 53 minutes for South Africa to score, even though they dominated possession and were only threatened by a brilliant save by captain Ronwen Williams from a header by Junior Olaiten.
Lyle Foster of Burnley punched the ball into the net after Fawaaz Basadien crossed it, bouncing it off goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou.
Jayden Adams, another replacement, headed a free kick from Oswin Appollis into the goal six minutes from the end of regular time to give South Africa the clinching goal.
In an attempt to play in the World Cup for the first time since 2010, when they qualified automatically as hosts, South Africa’s victory moved them up to 13 points.
