After a previous attempt to take action against Bafana Bafana for fielding an illegible Teboho Mokoena went unsuccessful, Lesotho’s Football Association (LeFA) has threatened a second attempt ahead of their World Cup Qualifier match.
Tensions are high between South Africa and Lesotho’s football associations, as both countries continue to fight for their place in the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup that is set to take place in Los Angeles, USA. These tensions began after their last match-up, which ended in a Bafana victory, when Lesotho filed a formal inquiry against the South African side, regarding fielding Teboho Mokoena despite accumulating two yellow cards prior.
Unfortunately for LeFA, the inquiry was filed four days after the match, missing the 24-hour filing window and consequently withdrawing the protest. Ahead of their upcoming qualifier set to take place in Bloemfontein, LeFA’s Secretary General Mokhosi Mohapi announced that they are ready to play under protest if their opponents field their midfielder during their match.
𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗢 𝗙𝗔 𝗢𝗡 𝗠𝗢𝗞𝗢𝗘𝗡𝗔!
“Even if [#Bafana midfielder] Teboho Mokoena just walks on the pitch, we’ll protest,” Lesotho FA secretary general Mokhosi Mohapi speaking to @SoccerBeatZA ahead of tomorrow’s FIFA World Cup qualifier in Bloemfontein.
“The regulation is… pic.twitter.com/UpFdVCT4oR
— #UNPLAYABLE (@UnplayableZA) September 4, 2025
With the Confederation of African Football (CAF) failing to make a ruling on the matter, and head coach Hugo Broos dismissing the matter as “nonsense”, the rivalry and build-up to the clash has kept both fan bases on edge and unsure of what’s next.
Although Bafana Bafana currently top their group, a successful challenge would result in the docking of some of their points, which could have dire consequences in the long run.
