“We are happy to have been vindicated,” say Lesotho FA after Bafana ruling

The Lesotho FA are delighted with the ruling that saw Bafana docked three points for fielding an ineligible player in their World Cup qualifier held in March.

South Africa secured a 2-0 win in that game, but have now seen their points for that game subtracted from their tally, with Lesotho handed a 3-0 win.

The country was found to have broken FIFA rules for fielding the suspended Teboho Mokoena.

The outcome means that South Africa drops to second place in Group C with 14 points from eight games, behind leaders Benin on goal difference, with two games to play.

Lesotho, meanwhile, moved on to nine points in fifth place on the six-team group.

LEFA secretary Mokhosi Mohapi told the Sowetan: ‘FIFA has done well to respect its own regulations.

“We had always maintained that our pursuit of this case had nothing to do with South Africa. Lesotho is a bona fide member of FIFA, and we played the rightful role to ensure the football rules are respected. We are happy to have been vindicated.”

Bafana still have a chance to qualify as they face already-eliminated Zimbabwe and fourth-placed Rwanda in games next month.

Mohapi added: “If Bafana eventually make it as the group winners, I will buy their shirt and support them at the World Cup because they would have earned their place. Mr [Hugo] Broos should know I was not talking nonsense when I said SA has a case to answer. I now feel fulfilled.”