Lyle Foster Shines for Burnley, Leaving Bafana Bafana Fans Concerned for Hugo Broos Ahead of AFCON

• Lyle Foster was on the scoresheet in Burnley's 2-3 loss to Aston Villa in the Premier League
• Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has left the player out of South Africa's AFCON 2023 squad
• Fans are worried that they would miss out on the services of the forward at the continental showpiece

South African football fans have been left divided as Lyle Foster continued with his brilliance for his club, scoring in Burnley's 2-3 loss to Aston Villa.

Despite being considered unfit to head to the Africa Cup of Nations with Bafana Bafana, Foster has remained in his club's starting lineup.

He was left out of Bafana Bafana's squad for the forthcoming Africa Cup of Nations starting in Ivory Coast on January 13.

On Thursday, December 28, Hugo Broos announced his final 23-man shortlist for the tournament and the tactician was questioned for omitting Foster from the squad.

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Broos disclosed that the 23-year-old personally sent a letter to the South African Football Association clarifying his choice not to participate in AFCON due to his mental health concerns.

But the manager expressed bewilderment that a player who was considered unfit to represent his national team has continued to feature for his club.

It is confirmed that Foster will not be heading to Ivory Coast as it appears he is poised to continue representing his club, GOAL reports.

Meanwhile, Broos has focused his attention on the Orlando Pirates duo of Evidence Makgopa and Zakhele Lepasa, along with Oswin Appollis of Polokwane City, urging them to step up to the challenge for Bafana during the continental tournament.

Conversely, South Africa are scheduled to kick off their first AFCON match on January 16 against Mali, followed by matches against Namibia and Tunisia.

Fans rate South Africa's AFCON squad

Sports Brief earlier reported that Bafana Bafana fans and critics have made their voices heard.

Hugo Broos Hit With a Big Blow As Bafana Bafana Star Is Ruled Out of AFCON 2023

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Football fans from south of the Limpopo river have reacted with a mix of scorn, bemusement and mockery as Hugo Broos finalised his 23-man squad to chase AFCON glory.

The reactions have been more about the omissions than the chosen players, with social media highlighting the missing Kaizer Chiefs players as well as fan favourite Thembinkosi Lorch.