2026 World Cup Qualifier: Broos Admits Error Over Fielding Ineligible Player

2026 World Cup Qualifier: Broos Admits Error Over Fielding Ineligible Player

Sampson Adedeji

South Africa head coach Hugo Broos has admitted to the error of fielding ineligible midfielder Teboho Mokoena during Bafana Bafana’s recent World Cup qualifying fixture, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

Mokoena featured in the last round of matches despite being suspended due to card accumulation.

The mistake has since sparked widespread debate among fans, analysts, and football stakeholders across the continent, with both FIFA and CAF yet to deliver an official ruling on the matter.

Speaking during a media briefing on Thursday, Broos confessed that neither the technical team nor the opponents, Lesotho, were aware of Mokoena’s suspension status.

“If the decision is that we lose three points, then okay, we lose three points. But look at the rules there was no complaint. Honestly, we didn’t know Mokoena was suspended, and Lesotho didn’t know either".

"What is Nigeria doing now? There was no complaint. Why should we start doubting, being worried 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,” Broos stated.

South Africa currently leads Group C with 13 points, while Nigeria sit fourth with 7 points as the qualifiers head into a crucial stage.