Safa 'deeply disappointed' as Bafana docked points in World Cup race

South Africa’s hopes of qualifying for the 2026 Fifa World Cup have been thrown into uncertainty after Fifa handed Bafana Bafana a three-point deduction for fielding an ineligible player in their March qualifier against Lesotho.

The world governing body confirmed that midfielder Teboho Mokoena should not have featured in the match played in March earlier this year against Dikwena. 

The breach of Article 19 of the Fifa disciplinary code and Article 14 of the preliminary competition regulations has now been punished with a forfeiture. As a result, the game – originally won by Bafana 2-0 –  has been awarded as a 3-0 victory to Lesotho.

In addition, Safa have been fined around R215 000, while Mokoena received a warning. 

Safa expressed deep disappointment with the ruling on Monday, in a statement, noting that the sanction was issued by a single-member panel without reasons and without an opportunity to present legal arguments. 

The association has requested written reasons for the judgment and plans to lodge a formal appeal with the Fifa Appeals Committee within the prescribed 10-day period.

Despite the administrative setback, Safa emphasised their continued commitment to supporting Bafana in their quest to secure qualification for the World Cup for the first time since 2002. Previously, Bafana had participated in thw 2010 edition of the tournament as hosts.

“The players and the technical team have worked extremely hard to reach this stage, and we remain focused on ensuring they secure maximum points in the matches ahead,” Safa said.

Meanwhile, Ministers of Sport Gayton McKenzie described the sanction as damaging to South Africa’s reputation. 

“This development is deeply regrettable and has brought embarrassment to our nation and the game of football,” McKenzie noted, via a statement, also on Monday. 

“We acknowledge that this situation has brought South Africa into disrepute, and we must take full responsibility for addressing it. We thank Fifa for swift action and not making us wait in agony about our fate.”

McKenzie, who last week threatened to resign his portfolio and withdraw the Patriotic Alliance from the GNU on Tuesday, confirmed that the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture will investigate how the error occurred. 

“We are committed to uncovering the root causes of this failure and ensuring accountability. A comprehensive report will be compiled and shared with the public to provide clarity and prevent future occurrences.”

The Minister also urged South Africans to continue rallying behind Bafana Bafana as they prepare for their final two qualifiers. 

“This deduction is but a bump in the road, and we believe that we remain firmly on track for qualification. Let us get behind our boys in these critical games. Together, we can and must carry them on our shoulders to the US, Canada and Mexico in 2026.”

The deduction means Benin now tops Group C on goal difference, with South Africa second on 14 points. Nigeria and Rwanda are three points behind, while Lesotho’s boardroom victory lifts them to nine points. 

Bafana’s remaining fixtures are at home against Zimbabwe on Friday, October 10 at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban and Rwanda the following Tuesday at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit. 

Maximum points from these games could still secure qualification to the World Cup, provided South Africa maintains an edge on goal difference. 

Although the pressure has now notched up in level, the dream of reaching the 2026 finals remains alive and very much in the hands of coach Hugo Broos and his charges. Bafana, who are expected to reveal their squad for the upcoming qualifiers later this week, must now be clinical, focused, and united — on and off the pitch.