Bafana Bafana In A Strong Place To Qualify For World Cup - Even If They Lose Three Points For Teboho Mokoena Blunder

South Africans have been gripped with anxiety ever since reports emerged that Bafana Bafana could be stripped of three crucial points for fielding an ineligible player in their 2-0 victory over Lesotho . What should have been a routine win has now turned into a potential disaster, as FIFA deliberates on whether to take action.

Bafana delivered a dominant performance, outclassing their neighbours with ease, but the celebrations were cut short when it was revealed that Teboho Mokoena , a midfield lynchpin, should have been serving a one-match suspension. Having picked up yellow cards in two previous matches, Mokoena was ineligible to play an oversight that could prove costly .

Should Hugo Broos team be deducted three points, Nigeria will suddenly find themselves within touching distance, but they will still need to prove themselves on the pitch. Bafana Bafana have been, by far, the best team in Group C, and Tuesday's results where both Rwanda and Nigeria were held to 1-1 draws by Southern African neighbors Lesotho and Zimbabwe have worked in South Africa's favor.

Even if they lose three points, Bafana Bafana will still hold a two-point lead over second-place Rwanda at the top of the group.

With four qualifiers remaining, their fate will remain in their own hands. If the deduction happens, Broos will be confident that his team can secure wins against Lesotho, Zimbabwe, and Rwanda, while a draw against Nigeria even at home wouldn't be the worst result.