The head coach of the Benin national football team, Gernot Rohr, has disclosed that his side would go top of the CAF qualification group C of the World Cup qualifiers should FIFA sanction South Africa.

The world's football governing body has officially opened disciplinary proceedings against Bafana Bafana after they fielded an ineligible player against Lesotho back in March.

South Africa face scrutiny asTeboho Mokoena, who has received yellow cards in two previous matches, featured in their game against the Crocodiles.

The Mamelodi Sundowns star should have served a match suspension after he was cautioned against Benin in November 2023 and Zimbabwe in June 2024.

However, the 28-year-old was in action as South Africa defeated Lesotho 2-0, with other group opponents including Benin and Nigeria raising the alarm.

Meanwhile, reports have it that the FIFA disciplinary committee will determine the sanctions as Bafana Bafana risk points deduction.

According to the statutes, any team that fields an ineligible player shall forfeit three points and three goals and will be subject to a CFH 6000 fine, All Nigeria Soccer reports.

Should FIFA decide to award the game to Lesotho, Benin would be level on points with South Africa on 14 points, three ahead of Nigeria's Super Eagles.

Rohr had been vocal about the delay in FIFA's action, and now he has expressed optimism ahead of the final two matches in the campaign.

The Franco-German tactician told YOP L-FRII:

"This has been dragging on since March. This matter should have been resolved earlier. f the rules are strictly applied, with the goal average rule, we would be top of the group, level on points with South Africa but with one more goal."

He, however, admitted that it remains a herculean task for the Cheetahs to pick the automatic ticket from the group, as they have two big matches left.

They have a date with the Amavubi of Rwanda at the Amahoro Stadium on September 6, before travelling to Uyo, where they will face the Super Eagles at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium on October 13.

"The schedule doesn't favour us. We still have two difficult away games, including Rwanda, who still have a chance of qualifying.

"Meanwhile, South Africa will play its last two matches at home, with less fatigue and the support of its home crowd. We remain outsiders, but this decision gives us some hope."