AFCON 2025
Coach of Benin Republic says he’s of hopeful of beating Nigeria and South Africa to the 2026 FIFA World Cup following FIFA’s investigation into the use of an ineligible player by South Africa.
However, the former Super Eagles says his team has a difficult path given their last two matches but FIFA’s decision to investigate the matter gives the Cheetars hope.
The Franco-German manager went on to criticize FIFA for acting given that the matter has been on since March.
“This has been dragging on since March. This matter should have been resolved earlier,” Rohr told YOP L-FRII.
“If the rules are strictly applied, with the goal average rule, we would be top of the group, level on points with South Africa but with one more goal.”
Despite the potential boost, Rohr acknowledged that the Cheetahs still have a mountain to climb in their bid to qualify for the World Cup, including an away trip to Nigeria next month.
“The schedule doesn’t favour us. We still have two difficult away games, including Rwanda, who still have a chance of qualifying.
“Meanwhile, South Africa will play its last two matches at home, with less fatigue and the support of its home crowd. We remain outsiders, but this decision gives us some hope.”
FIFA officially opened disciplinary proceedings against the South African Football Association after officials revealed that Bafana Bafana fielded an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in a 2026 World Cup qualifier.
Authorities are scrutinizing Bafana Bafana after Mokoena, who was suspended due to yellow card accumulation, featured in their March qualifier against Lesotho.
The rules should have barred the 28-year-old from playing as he was serving a one-match suspension for picking up yellow cards against Benin in November 2023 and Zimbabwe in June 2024.
Despite the ban, the team included him in the starting lineup against Lesotho on March 21, a match South Africa won 2-0.
FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee will now handle the case and determine the penalty.
The governing body could force South Africa to forfeit the match, handing Lesotho a 3-0 victory and three points, while officials may also impose additional sanctions such as a fine or suspension.
A ruling in Lesotho’s favour would move Benin level with Bafana Bafana on 14 points but ahead on goal difference, leaving both teams three points better off than third-placed Nigeria.
