FIFA has ruled that South Africa must forfeit their 2-0 win against Lesotho in the World Cup qualifier after fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena. The March 21 match in Polokwane is now a 3-0 loss for South Africa, dropping them to second place in Group C behind Benin on goal difference, while Lesotho stays fifth.
South Africa breached Article 19 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code by playing Mokoena despite his suspension due to two yellow cards in previous matches against Benin and Zimbabwe.
The South African Football Association can appeal the decision but must also pay a fine of 10,000 Swiss francs ($12,536).
