In his characteristically blunt style the Belgian tactician pointed out the midfielder and defender were wrecking their AFCON and World Cup dreams by pursuing moves that led to them warming the bench instead of gaining valuable playing time.
With the case now settled, the football official says Bafana now have a chance of rightfully fighting for a slot in next year's finals. He also feels Lesotho would have played their last qualifier differently had FIFA rendered judgement.
It is advantage Benin after FIFA's sanctions on South Africa took them to the top of Group C. But Eric Chelle's side still have a chance to go to the summit of the standings, something that has restored hope in his side. But a former Nigeria international has lambasted the West Africans for relying on other teams.
SA found themselves in hot water following Mokoena's appearance against Lesotho, who complained and brought the matter to FIFA's attention. After the ruling, the FA official says he has been vindicated because he helped restore the game's integrity.
South Africa’s World Cup hopes took a major hit as FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee sanctioned the South African Football Association for fielding Mokoena, deemed ineligible, in the March 2025 qualifier against Lesotho. The ruling strips Bafana Bafana of crucial points, slaps SAFA with a fine and a warning to Mokoena.
Mzansi might be forced to win their last two Group C games to get their ticket after the World Football Governing Body opened a case against Hugo Broos' side.
The Super Eagles and the Cheetahs have been banking on the world football governing body to punish the Southern African nation for a massive blunder made in the qualifiers.
Nigeria’s 2026 FIFA World Cup dreams suffered a major blow as the Super Eagles laboured to a draw against South Africa, leaving fans furious and making 'embarrassing' comparisons to Manchester United’s recent struggles. The result leaves Nigeria precariously placed in their group, with only one win in eight matches.
There has been massive anxiety about the step the World Football Governing Body would take against Mzansi for fielding the suspended Mamelodi Sundowns star.
Nigeria
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