Bafana Beat Benin, But Mokoena Ineligibility Casts Shadow Over Win

Bafana Bafana solidified their top position in FIFA World Cup Group C with a 2-0 victory over Benin at the neutral venue of Stade Félix Houphouët-Boigny in Abidjan on Tuesday.

Second-half goals from Lyle Foster and Jayden Adams propelled Bafana Bafana to 13 points after six matches, extending their lead to five points over Rwanda, who drew against Lesotho.

However, the win was overshadowed by concerns regarding Teboho Mokoena’s eligibility.

Prior to the match, news broke that Mokoena should not have played in Bafana Bafana’s qualifier against Lesotho at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Friday. This raised the possibility of a three-point deduction, despite Lesotho’s failure to file a protest within the stipulated 24-hour window.

Reports indicate that Lesotho, following an emergency meeting on Tuesday, has referred the matter to FIFA for investigation.

Consequently, Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos omitted Mokoena from the starting lineup, replacing him with either Bathusi Aubaas or Thalente Mbatha in midfield.

Despite these distractions, Bafana Bafana started strongly, controlling the game and creating half-chances through Foster and Relebohile Mofokeng, though Benin’s defense remained resolute. Percy Tau, marking his 50th cap, was effectively contained by Benin’s compact formation, resulting in a goalless first half.

In the other group match, Nigeria and Zimbabwe also played to a goalless first half.

Eight minutes into the second half, Bafana Bafana broke the deadlock. Nkosinathi Sibisi’s long ball found Fawaaz Basadien on the left flank, who delivered a cross for Foster. Foster’s toe-poked effort eluded Benin goalkeeper Marcel Dandjinou, trickling into the net off the post.

Bafana Bafana’s lead was justified, given their dominance.

Simultaneously, Nigeria took the lead against Zimbabwe in the 74th minute, with Victor Osimhen scoring from Ola Aina’s cross, his third goal in two qualifiers. This momentarily moved Nigeria to third in the group, posing a threat to Bafana Bafana.

However, Tawanda Chirewa equalized for Zimbabwe in the last minute, resulting in a 1-1 draw.

In the Bafana Bafana match, the tempo slowed, influenced by numerous substitutions.

With five minutes remaining, substitutes Oswin Appollis and Jayden Adams combined for Bafana Bafana’s second goal. Appollis’s free-kick was headed home by Adams, prompting celebrations from coach Broos. This was Adams’s second goal in consecutive matches, following his strike against Lesotho.

Bafana Bafana’s pursuit of a 2026 World Cup finals berth continues, despite the potential point deduction.