WCQ: Reactions as South Africa Coach Laments Super Eagles Advantage

WCQ: Reactions as South Africa Coach Laments Super Eagles Advantage

  • South Africa could drop 3 points in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers for fielding an ineligible player
  • Teboho Mokoena had received yellow cards in two previous matches before their clash against Lesotho which they won 2-0
  • Head coach Hugo Broos has lamented the situation as the tactician claims it has handed an advantage to Nigeria's Super Eagles

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos is concerned over the possibility that his side will lose three points in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.

South Africa top the CAF qualification Group C with 13 points, but they could drop to 10 as deductions loom large, per ESPN.

They could forfeit their 2-0 victory over Lesotho on March 20, after fielding Teboho Mokoena in that encounter.

South Africa could forfeit 3 points in the World Cup qualifiers
Hugo Broos is unimpressed as South Africa could lose 3 points in the World Cup qualifiers. Photo: Lefty Shivambu.
Source: Getty Images

The Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder had received yellow cards in their two previous matches, meaning he was ineligible to play against the Crocodiles.

Read also

South Africa coach lashes out, reportedly claims Nigeria given unfair advantage in World Cup race

Losing three points would be a major setback for South Africa's quest to pick an automatic World Cup ticket.

Should they drop to 10 points, Benin and Rwanda are on 8 points each, while Nigria's Super Eagles have 7 points.

Broos has disclosed that he is unhappy with the entire situation, which, according to him, has given Nigeria's Super Eagles an advantage.

“It’s out of our hands now,” the manager said as he emphasised the team’s focus on upcoming matches, including a crucial clash with Nigeria.

Meanwhile, reports have it that Hugo Broos may be sacked as South Africa’s head coach in October if the team fails to secure qualification for the 2026 World Cup.

If this happens, he will not have the opportunity to coach Bafana Bafana at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Hugo Broos says World Cup qualification is out of South Africa's hands
South Africa may forfeit 3 points in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Photo: Darren Stewart.
Source: Getty Images

The tactician was in charge when they achieved a commendable third-place finish at the most recent tournament in Ivory Coast.

Read also

Former Super Eagles head coach Gernot Rohr criticises Beninese Football Federation after WCQ

South Africans react as 3-point deduction looms

Meanwhile, South Africans have continued to react ahead of FIFA's possible sanctions.

BhovuRbay said on X:

"Whoever made this mistake of fielding an ineligible player should be fired immediately."

@BhovuRbay added:

"Nigerian handwriting is all over this. Whistleblowers. They snitched on us so we could be out of their way."

@mrshelby101 posited:

"FIFA's disciplinary code mandates that a player receiving two yellow cards in separate matches must serve a one-match suspension.
"Mokoena's participation against Lesotho, despite his prior bookings, constitutes a violation of this rule."

@FolaweAgbelusi

"They will find a way to blame Nigerians yet again. I have never seen a people that fail to take responsibility like SAns."

Chelle eyes Werder Bremen player

Meanwhile, Legit.ng earlier reported that Super Eagles coach Eric Chelle is showing interest in Werder Bremen left-back Felix Agu.

Fresh reports claim that the Malian coach is collaborating closely with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to persuade more Nigeria-eligible players to join the squad.

Read also

4 countries to join Nigeria in demanding 3-point deduction from South Africa

Chelle has identified key positions that require reinforcement, including left-back, central defender, and box-to-box midfielder.

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Source: Legit.ng

Authors:
Babajide Orevba avatar

Babajide Orevba (Sports Editor) Babajide Orevba is a FIFA and CAF-accredited Nigerian journalist, digital publishing expert, researcher, writer and TV analyst. He has covered several major football tournaments including FIFA World Cup Qualifiers, AFCON, CAF Competitions as well as grassroots competitions in Africa. Email: babajide.orevba@corp.legit.ng

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