Benin jumps top, Nigeria revived, South Africa hit by point deduction
FIFA Gift Shakes Up Group C: How Nigeria & Benin’s World Cup Chances Have Changed?
South Africa's road to the 2026 World cup's suffered huge blow. FIFA confirmed 3 point deduction after the national team fielded ineligible player in their 2 – 0 win over Lesotho last March.
FIFA's disciplinary committee found that midfielder Teboho Mokoena should have been suspended for accumulating 2 yellow card earlier in the campaign.
Instead he featured in the match leading to sanctions.
Result overturned
The 2 – 0 victory was annulled and awarded as 3 – 0 win to Lesotho. South Africa also lost 3 crucial point dropping from 1st place to 2nd in Group C.
🚨 BREAKING: FIFA has sanctioned SAFA for fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in their World Cup 2026 qualifier vs Lesotho.
✅ Match awarded 3-0 to Lesotho (3 points deduction from South Africa.
💰 South Africa fined CHF 10,000 (#18.8 million)
⚠️ Mokoena handed a… pic.twitter.com/RwT0VfxDKq— Sports Radio Brila FM (@Brilafm889) September 29, 2025
Group C standings shaken
With the ruling, Benin now tops the group on 14 point, level with South Africa but ahead on goal difference.
Nigeria, on 11 point, has renewed hope of catching the leaders. Lesotho remain 5th with slim chances of progress.
Qualification outlook
Two rounds remain. Only the group winner secures direct qualification for the 2026 World cup while the runner up may earn playoff spot.
