Tension is mounting in Group C of the African qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup after Lesotho threatened to protest against South Africa ahead of their clash on Friday, September 5.
The Secretary-General of the Lesotho Football Association (LFA), Mokhosi Mohapi, has warned South Africa not to field midfielder Teboho Mokoena in the Match Day 7 encounter scheduled for the Free State Stadium.
Mokoena has been at the centre of controversy since South Africa’s 2-0 victory over Lesotho earlier this year. The Mamelodi Sundowns star had received two yellow cards, rendering him ineligible for the fixture, but he still played.
According to FIFA regulations, South Africa could have faced a three-point deduction had Lesotho submitted a protest within 24 hours of the game.
Mohapi insists the matter is far from over and vowed to take action if Mokoena is included again.
“If South Africa dare play Teboho Mokoena, we will lodge a protest and will tell you why,” Mohapi told Soccer Beat. “We will lodge a protest which goes back to the other match, because he has never served the suspension that he was meant to have served. Against Bafana, we are going to wait three minutes into the match and then protest.”
The development has cast a shadow over the crucial qualifier, with both teams vying for points in the race to reach the 2026 World Cup.
