The Sanction
FIFA's Disciplinary Committee found that SAFA had breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code by playing Mokoena, who should have been serving a suspension. Consequently, the match, which South Africa had won on the field, has been officially declared a 3-0 forfeiture in favour of Lesotho.
In addition to losing three crucial points and suffering a negative goal difference swing, SAFA has been ordered to pay a fine of CHF 10,000 to FIFA. Teboho Mokoena himself received a warning.
Group C Thrown Wide Open
The forfeiture has completely altered the complexion of Group C, which is vying for a single automatic qualification spot for the tournament in the USA, Canada, and Mexico. Benin Republic, coached by Gernot Rohr, have sensationally moved into the top spot on goal difference.
The decision also breathes new life into the campaigns of Nigeria and Rwanda, who are now just three points off the pace with two matchdays remaining.
Revised Group C Standings (After FIFA Decision):
| Position | Team | Points |
| 1 | Benin Rep 🇧🇯 | 14 |
| 2 | South Africa 🇿🇦 | 14 |
| 3 | Nigeria 🇳🇬 | 11 |
| 4 | Rwanda 🇷🇼 | 11 |
| 5 | Lesotho 🇱🇸 | 9 |
| 6 | Zimbabwe 🇿🇼 | 4* |
Note: Zimbabwe's points remain unchanged by this decision.
With the top two teams level on points and Nigeria and Rwanda still in touching distance, the final two rounds of fixtures are set to be a breathtaking conclusion to the qualification campaign. Benin, in particular, will be celebrated across West Africa as a strong contender to represent the WAFU B region at the World Cup. The battle for Group C supremacy is now officially a photo-finish.