Benin coach Gernot Rohr has cautiously welcomed FIFA’s decision to open disciplinary proceedings against South Africa, but warned that the Cheetahs’ road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup remains an uphill climb.
Bafana Bafana are under investigation for allegedly fielding an ineligible player, Teboho Mokoena, in a qualifier earlier this year. Mokoena was due to serve a one-match suspension after bookings against Benin (November 2023) and Zimbabwe (June 2024).
While the matter is yet to be concluded, Rohr believes the delay has unfairly clouded the competition.
“This has been dragging on since March. This matter should have been resolved earlier,” he 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.”
Mountain Still to Climb
Despite the potential boost, Rohr was quick to temper expectations. The Cheetahs face a daunting away trip to Nigeria next month before another tricky clash against Rwanda.
“The schedule doesn’t favour us. We still have two difficult away games, including Rwanda, who still have a chance of qualifying,” Rohr said. “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 confirmed that Lesotho, who were also affected, did not lodge an appeal in time, but the governing body still has the power to act unilaterally.
Group C Standings
| Position | Team | Played | Points | GD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | South Africa | 8 | 17 | +8 |
| 2 | Benin | 8 | 14 | +4 |
| 3 | Nigeria | 8 | 11 | +2 |
| 4 | Rwanda | 8 | 11 | 0 |
| 5 | Lesotho | 8 | 6 | -8 |
| 6 | Zimbabwe | 8 | 4 | -6 |
Key Fixtures:
- Nigeria vs Benin – October 2025,
- Rwanda vs Benin – November 2025,
- South Africa vs Rwanda – November 2025,
- Zimbabwe vs South Africa – October 2025,
- Lesotho vs Zimbabwe – October 2025,
⚽ Diskiafrika Take: Even if FIFA rule in Benin’s favour, Rohr knows qualification won’t be settled in the boardroom. With Nigeria and Rwanda still in the mix, the Cheetahs must prove their mettle on the pitch if they are to keep their World Cup dream alive.