Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo has called up a replacement for the injured Lyle Foster, handing a late call-up to Stellenbosch FC striker Ashley Cupido for the national team’s final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
Foster sat out of the last training session for Bafana on Monday before locking horns with Rwanda in the FIFA World Cup qualifiers at Mbombela Stadium on Tuesday night.
The talented striker who ply his trade in the English Premier League with Burnley picked up an injury in a goalless draw against Zimbabwe at Moses Mabhida Stadium last Friday.
After being closely watched by the team’s medical department, Foster has failed the late fitness test, in another blow for Bafana. South Africa has already lost key attackers Iqraam Rayners and Relebohile Mofokeng to injuries for the crucial qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Broos was also forced to replace Orlando Pirates star Mbekezeli Mbokazi, who received a red card against Zimbabwe. The highly-rated centre-back has been replaced in the Bafana Bafana squad by Stellies defender Thabo Moloisane.
Bafana are hoping to get maximum points against Rwanda and rely on Nigeria to beat the table toppers, Benin, to qualify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
ASHLEY CUPIDO REPLACES LYLE FOSTER AT BAFANA
The Winelands-based side confirmed Ashley Cupido’s call-up to Bafana on their website ahead of a must-win clash against Rwanda.
“Stellenbosch FC striker Ashley Cupido has received a late call-up to the South African squad ahead of the Tuesday qualifiers against Rwanda after being selected as an injury replacement by coach Hugo Broos,” Stellies said.
“Cupido returns to the first time since the 10th of June 2025, when he last featured and scored his maiden goal for Bafana in a 2-0 friendly win over Mozambique.
“In total, the 24-year-old has won six senior international caps to date and previously represented South Africa at the 2024 COSAFA Cup that was held on home soil in Gqeberha.
“He joins the squad at a time when Bafana Bafana currently occupy second position in the Group C standings and face a must-win encounter against Rwanda to secure automatic qualification to next year’s World Cup.
“The match between South Africa and Rwanda is scheduled to kick off at 18h00 on Tuesday, 14 October, and will be played at Mbombela Stadium.”
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