'Deeply disappointed' SAFA announce plans to appeal FIFA's three-point Bafana deduction

Bafana beat Lesotho 2-0 in March with suspended Teboho Mokoena playing 82 minutes of the match before being replaced by Thalente Mbatha.

Mokoena was barred from playing in the tie after picking up two yellow cards in earlier group stage games.

FIFA announced that week the decision to award Lesotho a 3-0 victory in the Group C qualifier.

A SAFA statement read: "As SAFA, we are deeply disappointed with this unprecedented outcome noting that it was delivered by a single-member panel without reasons, and without affording the Association an opportunity to present legal arguments.

"The Association confirms that we have requested written reasons for the judgment and intend to lodge a formal appeal with the FIFA Appeals Committee within the prescribed 10-day period under FIFA's disciplinary rules.

"The Association emphasises its continued commitment to supporting Bafana Bafana in their qualification campaign

"The players and the technical team have worked extremely hard to reach this stage, and we remain focused on ensuring they secure maximum points in the matches ahead. We apologise to the nation for this administrative oversight and will reflect on the steps to take at the conclusion of our qualifying campaign."

After leading Group C, Bafana now find themselves in second place, with 14 points from eight games - behind leaders Benin on goal difference.

They play Zimbabwe on October 10 and Rwanda four days later in their final two qualifiers.