Burnley striker Lyle Foster is rapidly ascending South Africa’s all-time
scoring charts after delivering crucial goals at the 2025 Africa Cup of
Nations in Morocco.
Making his long-awaited AFCON debut—after missing the 2021 edition—Foster
has been instrumental in Bafana Bafana’s group stage success. He scored the
winner in a 2-1 victory over Angola before adding another in a tense 3-2 win
against Zimbabwe, helping secure South Africa’s place in the round of 16.
With 10 goals in just 23 international appearances since his 2020 debut,
Foster is now only two goals away from breaking into the nation’s all-time
top ten scorers. He currently trails Tokelo Rantie and Siphiwe Tshabalala,
who are tied for ninth with 12 goals each.
Foster’s impressive strike rate has sparked belief that he could one day
challenge the national record of 31 goals, held by legendary forward Benni
McCarthy.
He is not the only active player climbing the rankings. Mamelodi Sundowns
midfielder Teboho Mokoena sits on nine goals from 53 caps, while Orlando
Pirates attacker Oswin Appollis—who only debuted in late 2023—has surged to
seven goals after netting twice at this AFCON.
The historical top five is completed by Shaun Bartlett (28 goals), Katlego
Mphela (23), Bernard Parker (23), and the late Phil Masinga (19).
