Online Reporter
Fungai Muderere,Online Reporter
MIX-up remains to hang over Group C of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, with rival nations urging FIFA to pronounce itself on South Africa’s use of an ineligible player.
Bafana Bafana fielded midfielder Teboho Mokoena in a 2-0 home win over Lesotho when he should have sat out the World Cup qualifier after two cautions in previous fixtures in Group C.
According to Reuters, Benin coach Gernot Rohr voiced his frustration at the world football governing body’s silence, saying it was unsettling to prepare for this week’s decisive round of African qualifiers, without knowing the true state of the standings.
“It is very, very strange. Normally, South Africa should lose three points and they should go to Lesotho. But nobody knows why FIFA has not taken this decision,” Rohr said.
The Nigeria Football Federation echoed that demand in a statement this week, insisting: “The world still awaits FIFA’s decision.”
Both sides argue that FIFA’s ruling — or lack of it — could have a direct impact on who qualifies from the group, as the final stretch of fixtures begins.
ON Friday Benin are set to face Zimbabwe in Abijan, Ivory Coast,
South Africa lead Group C with 13 points, Rwanda and Benin follow with eight apiece, Nigeria sit on seven, Lesotho on six. Zimbabwe bottom with four, knowing that anything short of a victory will effectively seal fate.
