Stellenbosch FC striker Ashley Cupido has received a late call-up to replace the injured Lyle Foster in the Bafana Bafana squad.

Cupido returns to the Bafana setup for the first time since their victory over Mozambique in an international friendly on 10 June 2025.

The 24-year-old scored his first goal for South Africa in that game as they went on to secure a 2-0 win at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

The Stellies striker joins the camp when Bafana are sitting in second place in the Group C standings with 15 points after nine matches.

Cupido will be hoping to get his chance to shine when they take on Rwanda in their final qualifier at the Mbombela Stadium, with kick-off set for 18:00.

“Stellenbosch FC striker Ashley Cupido has received a late call-up to the South African squad ahead of the Tuesday qualifiers against Rwanda after being selected as an injury replacement by coach Hugo Broos,” Stellies said in a statement.

“Cupido returns to the first time since the 10th of June 2025, when he last featured and scored his maiden goal for Bafana in a 2-0 friendly win over Mozambique.

“In total, the 24-year-old has won six senior international caps to date and previously represented South Africa at the 2024 COSAFA Cup that was held on home soil in Gqeberha.

“He joins the squad at a time when Bafana Bafana currently occupy second position in the Group C standings and face a must-win encounter against Rwanda to secure automatic qualification to next year’s World Cup.

“The match between South Africa and Rwanda is scheduled to kick off at 18h00 on Tuesday, 14 October, and will be played at Mbombela Stadium.”