Lesotho Threatens Protest Over Mokoena’s Eligibility In World Cup Qualifiers

Lesotho Football Association secretary-general Mokhosi Mohapi has signalled their intention to file a protest with FIFA if South Africa includes Teboho Mokoena in their squad for Friday’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.

Lesotho will host South Africa at the Free State Stadium in this Group C encounter. The controversy stems from Mokoena’s previous eligibility issues; the midfielder received two yellow cards earlier this year, rendering him ineligible for the match against Lesotho, yet he played.

Mohapi warned, “If South Africa dares to play Teboho Mokoena, we will lodge a protest, which goes back to the other match, because he has never served the suspension that he was meant to have served.”

FIFA has yet to comment on the situation.