Johannesburg – After seemingly being handed a lifeline in their World Cup qualifying campaign, Bafana Bafana coach Gordon Igesund says he will wait until Fifa have made their ruling against group leader Ethiopia before raising his hopes.
“We heard about it this morning, and there was talk about it,” said Igesund on his team's arrival at Johannesburg's international airport on Monday.
Bafana lost 2-1 to Ethiopia in Addis Ababa on Sunday in a 2014 World Cup qualifier, leaving Ethiopia five points clear at the top of Group A, securing their place in the third and final round of African qualifiers.
However, Fifa announced later Sunday that the door might still be open for Bafana.
The global governing body said Ethiopia were alleged to have fielded an ineligible player in their 2-1 victory over Botswana on June 8, and disciplinary proceedings had been opened.
If Ethiopia were found guilty, they could lose their points from that match and, should that happen, Ethiopia's lead would be reduced to two points at the top of the standings, with one match to play.
“We've heard the player was suspended and still played a game against Botswana. Fifa are taking action, but that's as much as we know,” Igesund said.
“Whatever that result is, it doesn't affect us unless they get docked points and we win the last game and they draw or lose the last game.”
South Africa would face Botswana in their final match of the second qualifying round, at home, in September while Ethiopia's remaining fixture was against Central African Republic. – Sapa