Cameroon Beat South Africa 2–1 to Face Morocco in AFCON Last Eight

Cameroon Beat South Africa 2–1 to Face Morocco in AFCON Last Eight

Cameroon booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after a hard-fought 2–1 victory over South Africa, setting up a mouth-watering showdown with host nation Morocco.

Goals from Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane proved decisive as the Indomitable Lions overcame Bafana Bafana, coached by their former manager Hugo Broos, in a tense knockout encounter.

South Africa began brightly, pressing early, but Cameroon capitalised on a fortunate sequence to take the lead in the 34th minute. After a corner was only partially cleared, Carlos Baleba’s effort ricocheted off Nkosinathi Sibisi and Samuel Kotto, falling kindly for Tchamadeu, who slotted home from close range. The goal was confirmed after a lengthy VAR review for offside.

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Cameroon doubled their advantage shortly after the restart, as Kofane rose to nod in a precise near-post header in the 47th minute, converting a well-delivered cross from Mahamadou Nagida despite heavy rain at the venue.

South Africa pushed for a comeback, but goalkeeper Devis Epassy produced two crucial saves to keep Cameroon in control. Kofane nearly added a second after racing onto a superb long pass from Bryan Mbeumo, but failed to convert.

The match set up a nervy finale when Evidence Makgopa pulled one back for South Africa from close range with just two minutes remaining, raising hopes of a dramatic equaliser.

However, Cameroon held firm to seal the win and progress to the last eight, delighting their supporters.

Cameroon will now face Morocco, who earlier edged Tanzania 1–0, in a highly anticipated AFCON quarter-final scheduled for Friday in Rabat (19:00 GMT).

Cameroon Beat South Africa 2–1 to Face Morocco in AFCON Last Eight