Lyle Foster is finally poised to make his Africa Cup of Nations debut after head coach Hugo Broos named the Burnley forward in his final team for the tournament starting in Morocco on December 21.

This was confirmed after Broos unveiled South Africa’s 25-man squad for the AFCON, which included three goalkeepers, nine defenders, four midfielders, nine forwards, and three standby players.

Foster’s inclusion followed his high-profile absence from the last AFCON after he pulled out of the tournament due to mental health issues. He would now be available to push Bafana Bafana further than a third-placed finish in the Ivory Coast.

Like previous selections, the team is largely composed of players from DStv Premiership giants Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, including famous names such as Teboho Mokoena and Ronwen Williams.

Meanwhile, the squad also features two debutants, with Shandre Campbell and Tylon Smith earning their first senior national team call-ups, while Sundowns captain Themba Zwane did not make the cut after only returning from an injury that kept him on the sidelines for a long time.

South Africa’s opening group game at the AFCON is against Angola on December 22, followed by Egypt four days later. Bafana Bafana would square off against Zimbabwe in their last group game on December 29.

“It is very important that we have players who know that if something happens with injuries or whatever, we can count on them. We will ask them to stay in shape and train, and keep in good condition, because should something happen, we are prepared. So that’s why I have selected these players and will keep them on standby,” Broos said about his selection.

Full squad list

Goalkeepers: Ronwen Williams, Sipho Chaine, Ricardo Goss

Defenders: Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Aubrey Modiba, Samukelo Kabini, Thabang Matuludi, Siyabonga Ngezana, Khulumane Ndamane, Tylon Smith

Midfielders: Teboho Mokoena, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Bathusi Aubaas

Forwards: Evidence Makgopa, Lyle Foster, Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, Sipho Mbule, Tshepang Moremi, Oswin Appollis, Elias Mokwana, Shandre Campbell.

Standby: Mduduzi Shabalala, Iqraam Rayners, Thabo Moloisane.