South Africa strengthened their position in Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers with a crucial 2-0 victory over Benin on Tuesday. The win extended Bafana Bafana’s lead at the top of the group to five points, bringing them closer to a return to the World Cup for the first time since 2010. However, the celebration could be short-lived as they face a potential points deduction due to the ineligibility of Teboho Mokoena, who played in their previous match against Lesotho despite accumulating two yellow cards.
South Africa’s Ineligibility Issue: Mokoena Controversy
The controversy surrounding Teboho Mokoena has cast a shadow over South Africa’s qualification campaign. The midfielder, who played a key role in the 2-0 win over Lesotho last week, was not eligible to participate in that match as he had picked up yellow cards in matchday one against Benin (November 2023) and matchday four against Zimbabwe (July 2024).
A South African Football Association (SAFA) official, who requested anonymity, admitted that the team management failed to realize Mokoena was suspended and should not have played. He described the error as an act of “incompetence” but argued that South Africa may not suffer any consequences because FIFA regulations require protests to be lodged within 24 hours of a match ending.
Lesotho’s Formal Inquiry to FIFA and CAF
Despite the 24-hour rule, Lesotho Football Association secretary-general Mokhosi Mohapi confirmed that they had sent a formal inquiry to FIFA and CAF regarding Mokoena’s eligibility. However, he did not specify when the inquiry was submitted, leaving some uncertainty about whether FIFA will entertain the case.
Should FIFA decide to act on Lesotho’s complaint, South Africa could be deducted three points, bringing their total down to 10 points. If Lesotho is awarded the win instead, they would rise to nine points, significantly altering the Group C standings.
South Africa Secure Comfortable Win Over Benin
Despite the controversy, South Africa produced a dominant display against Benin, securing a 2-0 win in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Bafana Bafana controlled possession and limited Benin’s attacking chances, with goalkeeper Ronwen Williams making only one key save in the match—a spectacular stop from Junior Olaiten’s diving header in the first half.
The breakthrough came in the 53rd minute when Fawaaz Basadien delivered a perfect cross into the box, and Lyle Foster reacted quickly to direct the ball into the net, despite Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou getting a touch.
South Africa doubled their lead in the 84th minute through Jayden Adams, who headed home an Oswin Appollis free-kick to seal the victory.
With this result, South Africa now has 13 points from six matches, five points ahead of Rwanda and Benin (8 points each), while Nigeria (7), Lesotho (6), and Zimbabwe (4) make up the rest of the group.
Nigeria Held to a Frustrating 1-1 Draw Against Zimbabwe
In another Group C match, Nigeria suffered a major setback, conceding a dramatic added-time equalizer in a 1-1 draw against Zimbabwe.
Despite dominating possession and creating several chances, Nigeria only broke the deadlock in the 74th minute when Victor Osimhen found the back of the net. The Napoli striker, who scored a brace in Nigeria’s previous match against Rwanda, looked set to be the hero again.
However, Zimbabwe’s Tawanda Chirewa stunned the home crowd in Uyo by scoring in stoppage time to secure a crucial point for the visitors. The result leaves Nigeria in fourth place with just seven points, far below expectations given their squad depth.
Other Key Results in CAF Qualifiers
- Rwanda 1-1 Lesotho
- Jojea Kwizera put Rwanda ahead just before the hour mark, but Lehlohonolo Fothoane equalized late on to secure a draw for Lesotho.
- Group D: Cape Verde Shock Angola
- Cape Verde pulled off a major upset, defeating Angola 2-1 away to take control of the group. Verona forward Dailon Livramento scored twice to hand his team a crucial win.
- Cameroon Keep Pressure on Cape Verde
- Vincent Aboubakar scored a brace as Cameroon defeated Libya 3-1 in Yaoundé. The Indomitable Lions remain one point behind Cape Verde in Group D.
- Egypt Extend Group A Lead
- Egypt moved five points clear at the top of Group A after a 1-0 win over Sierra Leone in Cairo, with Zizo scoring just before halftime.
- Sudan Denied Late Against South Sudan
- Sudan conceded in the 99th minute, settling for a 1-1 draw with South Sudan in a match played in Benghazi, Libya, due to the ongoing civil war in Sudan.
What’s Next for South Africa?
While South Africa’s victory over Benin puts them in a strong position, their potential points deduction could complicate their path to qualification. With four matches remaining in the qualifiers, Bafana Bafana will need to stay focused as they prepare for their next fixtures:
- Lesotho (Away) – September 2025
- Nigeria (Home) – September 2025
If FIFA does not dock their points, South Africa will remain firm favorites to secure a top-two finish, which guarantees progression to the next round. However, if they lose three points, the group will become wide open, increasing the pressure on their remaining matches.
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For now, all eyes are on FIFA’s decision regarding Lesotho’s complaint—one that could drastically change the qualification landscape in Group C.
