South Africa Football Association (SAFA) have accepted a three points, three goals deduction from football governing body after they were found guilty of fielding an ineligible player in their 2-0 win over Lesotho, OwnGoalNigeria.com reports.
Teboho Mokoena wa supposed to be suspended for the game after picking up two bookings in previous games, but he played for over 80 minutes in the game. A decision which has now proved costly.
According to one of the country’s leading publications Soccer Laduma, a source from the football house hinted at contacts with FIFA and their acceptance of the point deduction for the error, which they badly regret.
“We (Bafana) have to win all the points that we have to play for going forward, and that’s all, to ensure that the team qualifies,” a well-placed source told the Siya crew, speaking on condition of anonymity.
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“An error was made, and we can’t be pointing fingers at individuals right now what happened has happened, and we can’t go back. Those points are gone, as tough as that is to accept, but there are more to play for to ensure qualification. An announcement is pending.”
The expected deduction will see their point tally drop to ten reducing their previous five points lead over Rwanda in second to just one, but above Lesotho who will move to second on nine points.
Crucially the Super Eagles of Nigeria, the team seen by many as the main rivals to South Africa in the group will move to within three point behind the leaders ahead of their meeting in Johannesburg later this year.
Mohammed Mowiz Suleiman
