AFCON 2023: Ex Bafana Bafana Captain Aaron Mokoena Calls Out Burnley Star Lyle Foster

• Lyle Foster won't play for Bafana Bafana at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
• The Burnley striker was omitted from the final squad by coach Hugo Broos
• South Africa legend Aaron Mokoena has reacted to Foster's decision

South Africa's travelling party to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations will be without one key player, Lyle Foster.

The Burnley striker was committed from the final squad by Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, a decision that raised a few eyebrows.

Bafana Bafana legend Aaron Mokoena has questioned Foster's decision not to represent his country.

Foster was named in the 50-man provisional squad, but there were rumblings that he wouldn't be named in the final squad. When Broos named his squad in late December, the Burnley striker was absent.

The Belgian tactician explained why the striker, arguably South Africa's best player was not in the final 23-man squad.

Son leads South Korea squad 'ready' to win Asian Cup

Football

"It was impossible for Lyle to be selected for AFCON, I repeat it was impossible. It was a medical decision. Lyle Foster wrote a letter to SAFA requesting he doesn't want to be at AFCON. I'm not happy that he's not there, but again this is a medical decision," via iDiski Times.

Bafana will now have to make do without the striker in Cote d'Ivoire.

Mokena on Foster

There were mixed reactions on social media when the news that Foster wasn't going to AFCON was confirmed.

South Africa's most capped player Aaron Mokoena has taken issue with Foster's decision to skip international duty.

"I fail to understand how he continues to play for Burnley in a high-pressure environment but can't come and play for his country," via Kick Off.

The former Blackburn Rovers star also explains what concerns him about the whole situation.

"What pains me is that we don't know if this was Lyle Foster's decision or the club's. If it's his decision, then he should've come to play for the country. If he doesn't want to play for the country anymore, he must be bold enough to say it. It's up to this boy to tell us."

Lyle Foster: Bafana Coach Hugo Broos Explains Omission of Burnley Striker From 2024 AFCON Squad

Football

Bafana Bafana were held to a frustrating 0-0 draw by Lesotho in their last warm-up match before flying to Cote d'Ivoire on Thursday.

Broos omits Foster from AFCON squad

Sports Brief earlier reported on South Africa coach Hugo Broos naming the final squad for the upcoming AFCON tournament.

The squad consists of 23 full selections and three standby players. Broos said before naming the team that he wanted more rest time for the players.

Players will assemble on January 4 and leave for Cape Town the following day before flying to the Ivory Coast on January 10. Percy Tau, Themba Zwane, and Ronwen Williams were included in the squad.