2026 FIFA WC Qualifier: South Africa gears for crucial match
Cape Town, South Africa (PANA) – Ahead of South Africa’s crucial World Cup qualifier on Tuesday night, Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has expressed dismay over FIFA’s decision to deduct three points from the national team after a rules violation earlier this year.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee recently sanctioned the team for fielding an ineligible player in a qualifying match against Lesotho in March. South Africa fielded Teboho Mokoena in the 2-0 win despite the fact that he had accumulated two yellow cards in the previous two matches against Nigeria and Zimbabwe.
FIFA’s ruling means the match was forfeited with a 3-0 scoreline in favour of Lesotho, with SA losing out on three log points. Mokoena also received a warning. South Africa had led Group C with 17 points, but the three-point deduction has dropped them to second place behind Benin.
McKenzie said this development is deeply regrettable and has brought embarrassment to the nation and the game of football. “We acknowledge that this situation has brought South Africa into disrepute, and we must take full responsibility for addressing it. However, our immediate focus must be on rallying behind our national team as they prepare for their crucial final match in Mbombela.
South Africa must defeat Rwanda and hope Nigeria secures a win or a draw against Benin on Tuesday night.
McKenzie said the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture (DSAC) will lead a thorough investigation into the incompetence that led to this sanction. “We are committed to uncovering the root causes of this failure and ensuring accountability. A comprehensive report will be compiled and shared with the public to provide clarity on this matter and prevent future occurrences,” he said.
-0- PANA CU/MA 14Oct2025
