Lyle Foster looking for goals and survival: Why Burnley need their Bafana striker firing now

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Lyle Foster’s goal for Burnley in the 2-2 draw with Tottenham at the weekend couldn’t have come at a more crucial juncture — not just for the South African striker, but for a Clarets side involved in a fierce Premier League relegation battle.

Scott Parker’s promoted side currently sit second-bottom in the English Premier League standings on 15 points from 23 games, five points below West Ham in 18th place, and are on a run of three straight draws.

Foster’s strike after coming off the bench provided a rare attacking spark for Burnley, whose forwards have struggled for consistent end product in the Premier League this season. Foster has scored three goals and provided one assist in 16 top-flight appearances; numbers that underline his importance and the challenge he faces to lift Burnley clear of danger.

Those figures are in stark contrast to recent seasons. In 2023/24, Foster managed five goals and three assists in the Premier League under Vincent Kompany.

In the 2024/25 Championship season, following Burnley’s relegation, his output dipped significantly, scoring only two league goals and providing two assists in England’s second tier.

The current season’s numbers highlight Foster’s slow start as well as Burnley’s struggles in front of goal. The Clarets’ top scorers this season — winger Jaidon Anthony and striker Zian Flemming — have both netted five goals so far.

Foster’s weekend strike at Turf Moor was more than a personal relief; it was a timely reminder that he remains one of the team’s key attacking outlets at a time when results and confidence are in short supply.

While he has struggled at club level, Foster has found bright moments on the international stage. At the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, which ended earlier this month, he was involved in all four of Bafana Bafana's goals, scoring twice and providing two assists for Hugo Broos’ side.

He opened his tournament account with a decisive goal in South Africa’s 2-1 win over Angola, continuing his vital role for the national team in continental competition.

That long-range strike underscored Foster’s ability to deliver on big occasions — a trait Burnley will be hoping resurfaces more regularly as the season progresses. Translating his AFCON confidence into Premier League form could be crucial for Burnley’s hopes of survival.

One goal does not define a season, but in a tight campaign where margins are slim, timing matters. If Foster can begin to consistently convert chances at club level as he did on international duty, Burnley might just find the spark they need to climb clear of trouble.