Chronicle Editor
Zimbabwe are bottom of CAF’s FIFA World Cup qualifying Group C. However, if South Africa are docked three points for an administrative blunder against Lesotho, it could open the group up again.
Lesotho Football Association (LeFA) has lodged an enquiry with FIFA and CAF over Bafana Bafana’s fielding of Teboho Mokoena in a recent qualifier. Mokoena had received yellow cards in previous qualifiers against Benin (November 2023) and Zimbabwe (November 2024), making him ineligible for the match against Lesotho. However, he started in Bafana’s 2-0 win.
How Group C Could Be Shaken Up
FIFA’s Legal Handbook allows for retrospective forfeits in such cases, which could see Lesotho awarded a 3-0 victory. This would move them from fifth to second in Group C, while Bafana’s five-point lead at the top would shrink to one. Only the group winner qualifies automatically, while the four best runners-up across nine groups enter a knockout tournament for a place in the inter-confederation playoffs for the last two World Cup spots.
The handbook states that protests must be submitted within 24 hours of the match. However, LeFA only submitted their protest days later. FIFA’s regulations specify that this deadline cannot be extended. Despite this, LeFA secretary general Mokhosi Mohapi insists FIFA must still investigate the matter.
Mohapi also claimed Nigeria, currently fourth in Group C and six points behind Bafana, are monitoring the situation. A precedent exists, as Ethiopia were docked three points for fielding an ineligible player in 2013, though the timing of their protest remains unclear.
Bafana Bafana () could be spared if FIFA enforces its 24-hour rule, but the case remains under review.
Lifeline for Zimbabwe?
Currently, Bafana are top of Group C with 13 points from six games with Rwanda second, five points behind. If Lesotho are awarded a victory by forfeit over Bafana, they will rise to second with nine points and Bafana will drop to 10 points.
Zimbabwe are currently bottom of the group with four points. As it stands, they have little chance of progressing. However, their deficit to the top of the group could be reduced to six points, which would give them an outside chance.
The Warriors will face Benin and Rwanda in the first week of September, before finishing the group stage with fixtures against South Africa and Lesotho in October.
The Marshall Munetsi Factor
, the Wolverhampton Wanderers midfielder, is a linchpin in Zimbabwe’s quest for World Cup qualification. His leadership and tenacity were on full display during the Warriors’ 1-1 draw against Nigeria on 25 March 2025. As captain, Munetsi has been vocal about the team’s ambitions.
In the match against the Super Eagles, Munetsi’s influence was evident. He marshalled the midfield with authority, breaking up Nigerian attacks and initiating counterplays. He played a key role in the build-up to ZImbabwe’s late goal from Tawanda Chirewa.
Munetsi’s presence is pivotal for Zimbabwe, not only for his on-pitch contributions but also for the morale boost he provides. His experience in top-flight football brings a level of professionalism and skill that is indispensable for the Warriors as they navigate the challenging path of World Cup qualifiers.
The draw against Nigeria, a team with a storied footballing history, is a testament to Munetsi’s and Zimbabwe’s resilience and determination to make a mark on the international stage.
Conclusion: A Lucky Break Needed for Zimbabwe
The Warriors’ fate is no longer in their hands, having fallen to the bottom of Group C. However, if Bafana Bafana are docked points for their blunder against Lesotho, the group could once again open up for Zimbabwe, with Marshall Munetsi leading the way.
Online Reporter