Cupido replaces Foster for Bafana must-win qualifier

Stellenbosch FC striker, Ashley Cupido, has been called up to the Bafana Bafana squad for South Africa’s do-or-die 2026 Fifa World Cup qualifier against Rwanda, replacing the injured Lyle Foster.

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Lyle Foster has been withdrawn from the Bafana Bafana matchday squad due to an injury.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

The 24 year old returns to the national team for the first time since June 2025, when he scored his debut goal in a friendly win over Mozambique. He has six senior caps and was also part of the squad for the 2024 COSAFA Cup.

Bafana currently sits second in Group C, making Tuesday’s clash at Mbombela Stadium (18h00 kick-off) a must-win to secure automatic qualification for the World Cup.

Bafana are hoping to get maximum points against Rwanda and will also have to rely on Nigeria to beat the table toppers, Benin, to qualify for the global tournament in North America.

Hugo Broos’ side will qualify for the 2026 World Cup:

If they beat Rwanda and Benin lose to Nigeria.

If they beat Rwanda by a margin of 3 goals or more and Benin and Nigeria draw

If they beat Rwanda by a margin of two goals, Benin draw against Nigeria and Benin fail to outscore South Africa.

Following last week’s disappointing goalless draw with Zimbabwe, coach Hugo Broos admitted he had to lift his players’ spirits ahead of the decisive fixture.

“We are back mentally, and that is very important. The (team’s) qualities didn’t disappear with the draw against Zimbabwe. It was mentally that we had to recover and turn the button. You can be sure that the button has been turned, and mentality, the team spirit and the belief is there again,” he said.

“This is another amazing thing about this team, and after the uppercut we got on Friday, everyone can turn the button and focus on the next job in the shortest period of time. Therefore, I believe again and I’m confident that tomorrow we will fight for it again, and we will try to win the game, and we will have a big chance to win,” he concluded.

🚨MATCH DAY🚨

FINAL 2026 FIFA World Cup Qualifier
Group C

⚽️ South Africa 🇿🇦 vs 🇷🇼 Rwanda
🗓 14 October 2025
⏰️ 18h00
🏟 Mbombela Stadium #BafanaPride@flysaa @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/FyF5CTQnsv

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) October 14, 2025