The Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) has commended the world's football governing body, FIFA, for imposing severe sanctions on South Africa in the World Cup qualifiers.
Bafana Bafana have been docked three points and three goals for fielding an ineligible player during their game against Lesotho on March 21.
Teboho Mokoena, who ought to have served a match suspension having accumulated yellow cards in two previous matches, was in the 2-0 win over the Crocodiles.
FIFA ruled that SAFA breached the disciplinary code and ordered that the match be forfeited, throwing the CAF qualification group C wide open.
LeFA secretary, Mokhosi Mohapi, hailed FIFA for the ruling, saying the integrity of the game has been preserved. He told Sowetan Live:
"FIFA has done well to respect its own regulations. We had always maintained that our pursuit of this case had nothing to do with South Africa.
"Lesotho is a bona fide member of FIFA, and we played the rightful role to ensure the football rules are respected. We are happy to have been vindicated."
The structure of the group has quickly changed with Lesotho moving to nine points after being awarded a 3-0 win.
@FootballLesotho SG Mokhosi Mohapi persists to lodge protest if SAFA fields Teboho Mokoena in today's WCQ match. @FIFAcom you see what you have caused?
— Tebalo Banjoz Lebajoa (@LebajoaTebalo) September 5, 2025
🎥Soccer Beat pic.twitter.com/0SJYsk6Lu5
South Africa's goal difference has been hit with a significant drop, from +8 to +3, as Benin take over the top spot also on 14 points.
Gernot Rohr's side will have to win their final two matches in a bid to claim the automatic ticket from the group.
There had been immense pressure on FIFA to decide South Africa's fate, and even though Mohapi admitted that justice delayed is not a denial, he would have preferred that the sanctions come earlier.
He added per TimesLive:
"We would have loved to have played the last matches earlier this month with the case finalised already.
"We would have approached the games differently, knowing we had nine points. But the group is now interesting because four of the five teams all have a chance going into the last matches.
"If Bafana eventually make it as the group winners, I will buy their shirt and support them at the World Cup because they would have earned their place.
"Mr. [Hugo] Broos should know I was not talking nonsense when I said SA has a case to answer. I now feel fulfilled."
