Lyle Foster left out in the cold as South Africa crash out

Burnley’s Lyle Foster is heading home after his South Africa side were knocked out of the World Cup by Canada.

Bafana Bafana fell at the first hurdle in the knockout stage, losing 1-0 to Stephen Eustáquio’s stoppage-time strike in a cagey, close round of 32 encounter.

For the third game running, Foster remained an unused substitute to continue what has been a disappointing campaign for the 25-year-old.

The striker started the opening group game against Mexico, which South Africa lost 2-0, and was expected to be one of his country’s big hopes. But he performed poorly and subsequently failed to get any more minutes.

His snub compounds a poor season at club level, where he scored just three times as Burnley were relegated from the Premier League.

Even heading into the tournament, South Africa boss Hugo Broos spoke publicly about how low on confidence Foster was having been dropped from Burnley’s squad by interim boss Mike Jackson, following the departure of Scott Parker.

“You have to know that Lyle, in the last three or four games, didn't play much since the change of coach. He was [at times] not even on the bench,” Broos said.

“I think Lyle needs a bit of confidence from our side, and also a little bit better physical condition.

"A good Lyle, he is quick, he is active. But you see, at the moment, Lyle is not big on confidence.”

Foster joins Shurandy Sambo (Curacao) and Hannibal (Tunisia) in returning home after they were knocked out in the group stage.

Hjalmar Ekdal (Sweden), Axel Tuanzebe (DR Congo) and Zeki Amdouni (Switzerland) are the three remaining Clarets still at the tournament.

Hjalmar Ekdal

France v Sweden

Tuesday, June 30 - 10pm

Axel Tuanzebe

England v DR Congo

Wednesday, July 1 - 5pm

Zeki Amdouni

Switzerland v Algeria