South Africa experienced coach Hugo Broos has admitted they made a mistake by fielding an ineligible player in a 2026 World Cup qualifier, which could now cost them three valuable points in the race to reach the Mundial next year.
Mamelodi Sundowns star Teboho Mokoena had bagged two bookings and ought not to have played against Lesotho in a match that Bafana Bafana won 2-0.
“If the decision is that we lose three points, then okay, we lose three points,” said Belgian coach Broos, who led Cameroon to win the 2017 AFCON.
“But look at the rules, there was no complaint.
“Honestly, we didn’t know Mokoena was suspended, and Lesotho didn’t know either.”
He continued: “There was no complaint. Why should we start doubting, being scared or afraid?
“We got a good result in Nigeria and we won in Benin.
“If it’s like that, we’ll fight on the pitch.”
Without the points yet to be deducted, South Africa lead their qualifying group with 13 points from six points.
Rwanda and Benin are on eight points each, while Nigeria are fourth with seven points.
