Bafana Bafana Secures Crucial Victory in Benin, But Faces Potential Points Deduction for Administrative Error
In a crucial match against Benin, Bafana Bafana emerged victorious with a hard-fought 2-0 win, positioning themselves well in the race to qualify for the 2026 Fifa World Cup finals. Goals from Lyle Foster and Jayden Adams secured the much-needed win at the Felix-Houphouet Boigny Stadium in Abidjan, putting the team in a favorable position in Group C.
However, just hours before the match, Bafana received unsettling news that they could face a points deduction for fielding midfielder Teboho Mokoena in a previous match against Lesotho. Mokoena, who had received bookings in earlier qualifiers, should have been suspended according to Fifa rules. If the punishment is enforced, the match against Lesotho could be awarded as a 3-0 win to Dikwena, significantly impacting Bafana’s lead in the group.
Despite the looming uncertainty, Bafana showed resilience on the field with Thalente Mbatha stepping in for Mokoena in central midfield. Adams, who had scored in the previous match, started on the bench while Relebohile Mofokeng maintained his place in the lineup. The game saw early chances for both teams, with Foster missing a header and Benin creating threats in front of goal.
In the second half, Bafana broke the deadlock in the 54th minute when Foster’s shot found the back of the net after a cross from Basadien. The team secured their victory with a goal from Adams, who headed in a free kick from Appollis in the 84th minute.
Despite the on-field success, Bafana faces a potential setback due to the administrative error, which could jeopardize their World Cup qualification hopes. With only the group winners guaranteed a spot in the finals, every point is crucial for Bafana as they navigate through the remaining qualifiers.
As the team awaits Fifa’s decision on the points deduction, the focus now shifts to their upcoming matches and the need to maintain their momentum to secure a spot in the 2026 Fifa World Cup.
