South Africa turn to Ashley Cupido after Lyle Foster injury ahead of must-win Rwanda World Cup qualifier

South Africa have drafted in striker Ashley Cupido as a late replacement for Burnley forward Lyle Foster, who has been ruled out of Tuesday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in Mbombela due to injury concerns.

Cupido, who represents Stellenbosch FC in the Premier Soccer League, was officially called up after Foster failed to recover from a knock sustained during Bafana Bafana’s goalless draw with Zimbabwe in Durban on Friday.

Stellenbosch confirmed the striker’s inclusion on Monday morning, giving him a chance to feature in what is a defining fixture for South Africa’s qualification hopes.

The 24-year-old has earned five international caps since making his debut during the 2024 COSAFA Cup and scored his maiden goal for the national team in a 2-0 friendly win over Mozambique earlier this year.

His call-up provides head coach Hugo Broos with additional attacking options as his side prepare for a high-pressure encounter.

Foster’s absence is expected to open the door for Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa to lead the line, with Cupido likely to start on the bench.

Broos, who has publicly lamented the lack of clinical finishing in recent matches, will be banking on Makgopa to rediscover his scoring touch as South Africa chase a decisive victory.

Bafana Bafana must defeat Rwanda to keep their qualification hopes alive.

Even with a win, their fate will depend on the outcome of the simultaneous Group C clash between Benin and Nigeria in Uyo.

Should Benin secure a victory, South Africa’s campaign would end regardless of their result.

However, if Benin draw, Broos’s side would need to win by at least two clear goals to leapfrog the West Africans and finish top of the group.

South Africa have already made one defensive change, with Stellenbosch defender Thabo Moloisane replacing the suspended Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

Broos’s reshuffled squad now faces a defining test as they aim to keep their World Cup dream alive and maintain momentum after a mixed qualifying campaign.