Former Super Eagles head coach Sunday Oliseh has weighed in on the conversation surrounding South Africa's potential points deduction for fielding an unqualified player against Lesotho in the World Cup qualifiers.

The Bafana Bafana risk losing all three points after midfielder Teboho Mokoena, who had accumulated two yellow cards, started the game and played for 82 minutes before being substituted.

Mokoena received his first booking in the qualifiers during South Africa's 2-1 home win against Benin Republic in November 2023.

His second yellow card was issued during South Africa's 3-1 victory against Zimbabwe in June 2024.

According to FIFA regulations, a player is ineligible to play in the next match after receiving two yellow cards in the World Cup qualifiers.

CAF and FIFA are yet to release an official ruling on the matter, leaving the other teams in Group C in limbo.

Speaking on the controversy, which has taken centre stage in Group C, Oliseh stated that South Africa's point deduction is just a matter of time.

"To the best of my knowledge, South Africa is in trouble. The Football Association is responsible for ensuring that only eligible players are fielded, Oliseh stated on his Instagram.

"If a team fields an ineligible player and the valid protest is upheld, the standard penalty includes the forfeiture of the match.

"The result is typically overturned to a 3-0 defeat for the offending team. Some might wonder—because this is what is creating the buzz now.

"Some might wonder why it has taken so long. It is simply because the process can take weeks to months, as FIFA may request additional information from the associations involved."

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