Ashley Cupido Replaces Injured Lyle Foster in Bafana Squad

Bafana Bafana gets late boost with Ashley Cupido call-up

Ashley Cupido gets the call-up as Lyle Foster's injury rules him out of the World Cup qualifier against Rwanda.

Bafana Bafana needs a win against Rwanda to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive...

South Africa has called up striker Ashley Cupido as a late injury replacement for Burnley’s Lyle Foster ahead of their crucial 2026 World Cup qualifier against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium.

Stellenbosch FC confirmed Cupido's call-up after Foster's injury concerns following Friday's 0-0 draw with Zimbabwe in Durban. Cupido, who has five caps and scored his first international goal in June's friendly win over Mozambique, is expected to join the Bafana Bafana squad.

With Foster likely out, Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa might start against Rwanda, while Cupido could be an option off the bench. Bafana Bafana needs a win to stay in contention for the World Cup, and they'll also be watching Nigeria's match against Benin closely.

At 24 years old, Cupido has already earned five international caps, debuting in the 2024 COSAFA Cup and scoring his first goal in a 2-0 friendly win over Mozambique in June. With Foster out, Orlando Pirates' Evidence Makgopa is likely to start against Rwanda, while Cupido could come off the bench.

Ashley Cupido has been called up to the #BafanaBafana squad for tonight's 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda 🇿🇦👏#HeartoftheCape #MoreThanFootball #StellenboschFC 🍇

— Stellenbosch FC (@StellenboschFC) October 14, 2025

Bafana Bafana needs a win against Rwanda to keep their World Cup qualification hopes alive. A victory would set up a nail-biting finale, with the result against Benin and Nigeria determining their fate.

A Benin win would spell trouble for South Africa, while a draw would require Bafana Bafana to win by two clear goals to leapfrog Benin in the standings. The stakes are high, and every detail will be crucial in determining which team secures a spot in the global finals.

Meanwhile, South Africa has received a boost with the inclusion of Stellenbosch's Thabo Moloisane, who replaces the suspended Mbekezeli Mbokazi in the Bafana Bafana squad. Moloisane's experience and defensive prowess will be vital in the high-stakes match against Rwanda.