Stellenbosch FC striker Ashley Cupido has earned a recall to the Bafana Bafana squad ahead of Tuesday’s crucial 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier against Rwanda at Mbombela Stadium.
Cupido Steps In as Injury Replacement
Cupido’s selection follows concerns over Lyle Foster’s fitness, which led coach Hugo Broos to bring him in as an injury replacement. The national team is looking to maintain momentum in their qualifying campaign, and Cupido’s sharp form at club level made him a natural option to strengthen the front line.
The forward has enjoyed a productive start to the season in the DStv Premiership, consistently finding the back of the net for Stellenbosch. His pace, work rate, and ability to press high up the pitch have made him one of the standout local performers this season. Broos and his technical team believe his inclusion can provide the team with a direct and energetic attacking threat against a resilient Rwanda side.
First Return Since June 2025
This is the 24-year-old’s first appearance in the national setup since 10 June 2025, when he scored his maiden international goal during a 2–0 friendly win over Mozambique. Cupido has six senior caps for South Africa and was part of the squad that featured in the 2024 COSAFA Cup in Gqeberha.
His previous international outings earned praise for his movement and link-up play, and he will now look to build on that experience in a competitive qualifier. The call-up also represents a personal milestone, as Cupido had been working his way back into the national conversation through consistent performances in the domestic league.
High Stakes for Bafana Bafana
Cupido joins the team at a crucial point in the qualifiers. South Africa currently sit second in Group C and need a victory to boost their chances of securing automatic qualification for the 2026 World Cup. A win against Rwanda would not only strengthen their position in the group but also ease pressure going into the remaining fixtures.
The match is expected to be fiercely contested, with Rwanda also chasing valuable points to stay in the qualification race. Mbombela Stadium is set to provide a vibrant atmosphere as local supporters rally behind Hugo Broos and his team in their quest to return to the global stage.
The decisive clash kicks off at 18:00 on Tuesday evening. For Cupido, it’s a chance to make a meaningful impact and possibly re-establish himself as a regular feature in the national team setup. For Bafana Bafana, it’s another step toward their World Cup dream.
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