South Africa have handed a surprise call-up to striker Ashley Cupido as a late replacement for the injured Lyle Foster ahead of their crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda in Mbombela on Tuesday, Afrosport reports.
The Stellenbosch star joins Bafana Bafana after Burnley striker Foster failed to recover from an injury picked up during Friday’s goalless draw with Zimbabwe in Durban.
The 24-year-old forward has five international caps since making his debut at the 2024 COSAFA Cup, and scored his first goal a 2-0 friendly win over Mozambique in June.
Cupido has made nine appearances across all competitions this season, including six in the South African Premiership (PSL), and has yet to find the net.
BAFANA BAFANA CAMP UPDATE!
Lyle Foster has been withdrawn from the Bafana Bafana matchday squad due to an injury. After consultation with the medical team, a decision was taken to withdraw him. Ashley Cupido has been called up as his replacement.#BafanaPride@SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/jj4umgy4RG
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 14, 2025
With Foster out, Orlando Pirates striker Evidence Makgopa is expected to lead the line, while Cupido could feature off the bench.
Bafana Bafana must beat Rwanda to keep their qualification hopes alive and will also need Benin to avoid victory against Nigeria in Uyo. A draw in that match would mean South Africa must win by at least two clear goals to top Group C.
Meanwhile, centre-back Thabo Moloisane, also of Stellenbosch, had initially been drafted in to replace the suspended Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
