A potential boost has emerged for the Super Eagles in their bid to overtake South Africa in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, following a formal protest lodged by Lesotho against their southern neighbours.
Lesotho has accused South Africa of fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their 2-0 victory over Lesotho last week.
The protest comes after Lesotho’s football officials discovered that Mokoena had been booked in South Africa’s opening match against Benin Republic in November 2023, and again in their subsequent fixture against Zimbabwe.
According to the rules, these bookings should have ruled him out of the game against Lesotho, a match which Bafana Bafana won 2-0 at home.
Lesotho’s protest could have significant repercussions for South Africa, whose 13-point tally from six matches may now be reduced to 10, pending CAF’s investigation.
This could open a window of opportunity for Nigeria, who are currently in fourth place with seven points after their 1-1 draw with Zimbabwe on Tuesday, March 25.
With only three points separating them from South Africa, the Super Eagles would need to capitalise on this situation to close the gap.
Mokhosi Mohapi, the Secretary-General of the Lesotho Football Association (LFA), confirmed the protest, stating: “The question is: was a rule broken? If yes, we are fully entitled to protest and get the points. We were made aware of Mokoena’s bookings, and we have since sent a formal inquiry to CAF and FIFA.”
This development may strengthen recent arguments by some football experts, including former Secretary-General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ambassador Fanny Amun. Amun had suggested that there would be no political favouritism from South Africa’s COSAFA partners, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, when it comes to the Super Eagles’ matchups against Bafana Bafana.
However, the final decision rests with the Confederation of African Football (CAF), who will investigate the matter.
The involvement of South African Patrice Motsepe as CAF’s president has led to questions about potential bias, but it remains to be seen whether the continental body will side with Lesotho or uphold South Africa’s victory.
READ ALSO: Super Eagles face backlash after frustrating draw against Zimbabwe in World Cup Qualifier
