The Lesotho Football Association, LFA, has officially written to FIFA, challenging South Africa’s use of midfielder Teboho Mokoena in last Friday’s 2026 World Cup qualifier.
The LFA claimed that Mokoena was ineligible to play due to accumulated yellow cards.
It argued that South Africa should be stripped of the three points from their 2-0 victory last week.
Mokoena received bookings in South Africa’s 2-1 win over Benin in November 2023 and another yellow card in their 3-1 victory against Zimbabwe in November 2024.
Under FIFA’s regulations, any player who receives two yellow cards in two different matches must serve a one-game suspension.
However, Mokoena was featured against Lesotho, raising concerns over a possible breach of the rules.
LFA secretary-general Mokhosi Mohapi confirmed that a letter had been sent to FIFA.
“The question is, was a rule broken? If yes, we are fully entitled to protest and get the points,” Mohapi was quoted as saying by Sowetan Live.
“We were made aware of Mokoena’s bookings and have sent a formal inquiry to CAF and FIFA.
“We have heard that Nigeria also wants to protest, and they too are entitled to do so because the result prejudices everyone.
“Suppose it was us who fielded an ineligible player and got the points—Bafana would have done the same.”
Meanwhile, South Africa could forfeit the three points from last week’s match if FIFA rules in Lesotho’s favour, meaning Lesotho would be awarded a 3-0 win.
