Overview

• FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee ruled that South Africa forfeited its March 21 win over Lesotho 3-0 for using Teboho Mokoena, who should have been suspended after yellow cards versus Benin and Zimbabwe.
• The decision removes three points from South Africa and awards the match to Lesotho, converting an on‑field victory into an official defeat.
• Benin now leads Group C on goal difference, with South Africa second as the final two matchdays approach.
• Nigeria’s path improves modestly, as the revised standings keep them within reach of automatic qualification or a playoff place.
• FIFA cited Article 19 of its Disciplinary Code and Article 14 of the preliminary competition regulations, and TN reports SAFA was fined 10,000 Swiss francs.