FIFA’s ruling on Equatorial Guinea has sent shockwaves through African football after bringing down the hammer for breaking its rules.

The world football governing body docked three points and awarded technical 3-0 wins to Namibia and Liberia after Equatorial Guinea fielded an ineligible striker, Emilio Nsue, during their World Cup qualifiers.

The decision has put Group C leaders South Africa on edge, as they face a similar case involving star midfielder Teboho Mokoena.

FIFA slams the hammer on Equatorial Guinea

Equatorial Guinea had initially beaten Namibia and Liberia 1-0 last November, with Nsue scoring in both games.

According to PM News, FIFA’s ruling six months later has overturned those results and left the Central Africans fighting to keep their hopes alive for a playoff spot.

Nsue’s eligibility status was questioned due to his previous representation of Spain at youth level.

Despite switching allegiance to Equatorial Guinea, FIFA deemed the tall forward ineligible.

This sanction has now become the reference point for similar cases, putting other nations under scrutiny.

South Africa in the spotlight

South Africa are now sweating over their own disciplinary case.

Hugo Broos’ men fielded Teboho Mokoena in their 2-0 win over Lesotho despite him being suspended after two yellow cards in previous games.

If FIFA enforces the same sanction used against Equatorial Guinea, South Africa would lose three points and three goals.

This would dramatically open up Group C. Benin Republic could draw level on points, while Nigeria would close the gap to just three, per FIFA.com.

This development could turn the final two matches into must-win matches for Bafana Bafana, who were previously sitting comfortably at the top of the table.

Group C race blown wide open

The World Cup qualifying race in Group C is now more tense than ever as South Africa’s lead could vanish overnight if the sanction is applied.

Nigeria, Benin, and Rwanda all remain in the hunt for the World Cup ticket, and the three points deduction could set up a nail-biting finish to the qualifiers.

FIFA is yet to issue an official verdict on South Africa, but the precedent is clear.

Any deduction will dramatically shift the group standings and pile pressure on Broos and his players heading into the last two fixtures.

The disciplinary rulings underline FIFA’s firm stance on player eligibility. They also highlight how off-pitch decisions can reshape the road to the World Cup as much as results on the field.