Cameroon edge South Africa 2-1 to set up AFCON quarter-final clash with host Morocco

Cameroon booked a quarter-final showdown with hosts Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after claiming a hard-fought 2–1 victory over South Africa in their Round of 16 encounter.

Goals from Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane proved enough for the Indomitable Lions, who overcame a spirited Bafana Bafana side coached by their former manager, Hugo Broos.

South Africa started brightly, but it was Cameroon who struck first in the 34th minute through a fortuitous sequence.

BBC reports that after a corner was only partially cleared, Carlos Baleba’s effort ricocheted off Nkosinathi Sibisi and then Samuel Kotto before falling kindly to Tchamadeu, who finished from close range. The goal was eventually confirmed following a lengthy VAR review for offside.

Cameroon doubled their advantage shortly after the restart despite heavy rain. Just two minutes into the second half, Kofane met a precise left-wing cross from Mahamadou Nagida, glancing a near-post header beyond goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.

South Africa responded with renewed urgency, forcing Cameroon goalkeeper Devis Epassy into two fine saves, while Kofane narrowly missed out on a second goal after latching onto a long pass from Bryan Mbeumo.

The match took on a dramatic edge late on when Evidence Makgopa pulled one back for South Africa, tapping in from close range with two minutes of regulation time remaining. However, Cameroon held their nerve in a tense finale to secure progression.

The victory sets up a mouth-watering quarter-final clash against tournament hosts Morocco, who earlier edged Tanzania 1–0. The encounter is scheduled for Friday evening in Rabat.

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