Tensions have escalated in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification campaign as the Lesotho Football Association (LFA) has formally warned of a protest should South Africa include midfielder Teboho Mokoena in their squad for today’s crucial qualifier match against Lesotho. Mokhosi Mohapi, General Secretary of the LFA, announced that they will submit a formal complaint to FIFA if Mokoena is named or takes part in the fixture. This move stems from claims that Mokoena was ineligible to play in a previous qualifier due to an unresolved suspension resulting from accumulated yellow cards.
The heart of the dispute revolves around Mokoena’s participation in an earlier qualifying match against Lesotho, where he reportedly played despite serving a suspension triggered by two yellow card bookings. Despite South Africa’s decision to omit Mokoena from the lineup against Benin in the following qualifier, the LFA maintains that the suspension matter remains unresolved and that Mokoena should still be barred from the match today.
Mohapi emphasised that the protest would proceed if Mokoena is listed on the squad sheet, regardless of whether he actually steps onto the field during the game. The LFA's stance highlights the seriousness with which they regard the integrity of competition rules and their willingness to employ formal channels to enforce them. The dispute has created significant tension within Group C of the qualifiers, which also includes Nigeria, the Benin Republic, and Rwanda, with all teams vying for progression to the World Cup.