By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: Getty Images.
FIFA Disciplinary Committee has rejected the appeal by the South African Football Association (SAFA) over midfielder Themba Zwane’s three-match suspension.
Zwane was shown a red card for violent conduct in the 84th minute as South Africa finished the match with nine men in their opening match, they lost 2-0.
“We are disappointed with the outcome of our appeal because we strongly believe that the punishment is far harsher than the offence that Themba is said to have committed,” SAFA said in a statement.
Zwane will serve his final match on the sidelines when Bafana Bafana face 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosts Canada in the last 32 in Los Angeles on Sunday.
Bafana Bafana finished second in Group A on four points. Mexico topped Group A with nine points after beating Czechia 3-0 in their final match.
The South Africans were seeking qualification from a World Cup group stage for the first time in their history, as South Korea targeted reaching the knockout phase in successive editions for the first time.
The Asian nation’s sole victory over African opposition before the match against South Africa came via a 2-1 win over Togo at the 2006 World Cup in Germany. The two defeats they suffered came against Algeria in 2014 (2-1), as well as Ghana in 2022 (3-2). They drew two-all with Nigeria at the South Africa-hosted 2010 World Cup.