Lyle Foster’s injury has thrown a wrench into Bafana Bafana’s plans ahead of their crucial 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier return leg against Congo.
The Burnley striker was stretchered off during South Africa’s commanding 5-0 victory on Friday, which took place at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Gqeberha.
Foster scored in the first half but suffered a thigh injury after colliding with Congo goalkeeper Christoffer Mafoumbi in the second half.
Unable to continue, Foster was substituted in the 66th minute, with Mamelodi Sundowns’ Iqraam Rayners coming on as his replacement.
Rayners made an immediate impact, scoring South Africa’s fifth goal to seal the dominant win.
Unfortunately, Foster’s injury ruled him out of the return leg in Congo, as Bafana coach Hugo Broos decided not to risk further damage.
“Lyle Foster, he is not travelling with the rest of the team to Congo. He is going back to the United Kingdom,” a source revealed to KickOff.
Bafana will now rely on their remaining squad to secure a win at the Alphonse Massamba-De Bat Stadium, with a victory guaranteeing their place in the 2025 AFCON finals in Morocco. Kick-off is set for 18h00 on Tuesday.