The Lesotho Football Association (LFA) has officially lodged an inquiry with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA over the eligibility of South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena in their recent 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Mokoena, who played in Bafana Bafana’s 3-1 victory over Lesotho last Friday, is believed to have been ineligible due to accumulated yellow cards. LFA secretary-general Mokhosi Mohapi, speaking via SowetanLIVE, confirmed that Lesotho has taken formal steps to seek clarity on the matter.
READ ALSO: SGFC Athletics GM Hails Jagaban Cup As Premier Platform For Grassroots Football Development
“We were made aware of Mokoena’s bookings and have since sent a formal inquiry to CAF and FIFA,” Mohapi stated.
The development could have wider implications, as Nigeria, who were held to a 1-1 draw by South Africa in the same qualification group, are also reportedly considering a protest.
“We have heard that Nigeria also wants to protest, and they too are entitled to that because the result prejudices everyone,” Mohapi added. “Suppose it was us who fielded a defaulter and got the points, Bafana would have done the same.”
South Africa’s win over Lesotho boosted their standing in the group, but if found guilty of fielding an ineligible player, Bafana Bafana could be stripped of their points. Lesotho, eager to benefit from the ruling, insists they bear no grudges but expect the rules to be enforced.
“Unfortunately, the law is the law, and SAFA should have known about the bookings. We have no hard feelings. We want those points,” Mohapi concluded.
CAF and FIFA have yet to make an official statement on the matter, but if South Africa is found in violation, it could shake up the qualification race for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
 has officially lodged an inquiry with CAF and FIFA over the eligibility of South Africa’s Teboho Mokoena){kind=link}