Rwanda coach stays silent on Mokoena saga, warns against African football politics

Rwanda head coach Adel Amrouche has distanced himself from the ongoing storm surrounding South Africa’s potential three-point deduction in the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, Soccernet.ng reports. 

Rwanda face Nigeria in a tough qualifier test in Uyo, and Amrouche, speaking at the pre-match conference, insist that he will not comment on the matter ahead of his side’s clash with Nigeria.

The controversy erupted after Bafana Bafana midfielder Teboho Mokoena featured in the qualifier against Lesotho despite carrying two yellow cards.

According to reports, Lesotho lodged a formal protest with FIFA to argue that South Africa should forfeit the points from the match.

Amrouche on South Africa's Yellow-carded player

While FIFA’s ruling is still pending, Amrouche—who previously served a FIFA ban himself—warned against the dangers of speaking out publicly on African football governance.

“This is Africa, you know the politics,” Amrouche told reporters. “I don’t want to say anything so they don’t ban me again.”

The Rwanda boss chose instead to focus on his team’s preparations for the must-win encounter against Nigeria.

It would be recalled that at the Godswill Akpabio Stadium, the Amavubi Stars stunned the Super Eagles with a score of 2-1, but another defeat in Uyo could severely dent their qualification hopes.

South Africa, meanwhile, remain in a strong position in the group despite the uncertainty surrounding Mokoena’s eligibility.

Experts argue the midfielder may have already served his suspension by sitting out the subsequent match against Benin, though Lesotho officials insist that SAFA had no right to decide which game counted.

Bafana Bafana’s three points remain intact, but FIFA’s final decision could, of course, reshape the complexion of Group C—and by extension, Nigeria and Rwanda’s chances of advancing to the 2026 World Cup.