Cameroon perseveres after a nervous ending against South Africa to win 2-1 in Rabat. This victory pushes them into the quarterfinals, where hosts Morocco await to face them on Friday.
2025 Africa Cup of Nations
1-2
Match Report
Suffocated, shaken, sometimes on the edge, Cameroon nevertheless stood firm—and struck at the right moment. Long dominated by an enterprising Bafana Bafana, the Indomitable Lions relied on their efficiency and composure to claim a 2–1 win in Rabat and book their place in the quarter-finals.
For the first 30 minutes, South Africa set the tempo. High pressing, vertical play, clear chances: Cameroon bent but did not break, saved by Epassy and South Africa’s own imprecision. Then, in a match waiting for a turning point, Tchamadeu appeared in the 33rd minute. One shot, one goal, and suddenly the game shifted.
Revitalised, the Cameroonians took control. Immediately after the break, Kofane struck in the 47th minute, doubling the lead with a composed diving header. The blow was harsh for Bafana Bafana, but typical of knockout football.
South Africa never gave up. Makgopa reignited hope in the 87th minute, and Rabat held its breath. Epassy was tested but held firm… and Cameroon survived. Solid, organised, sometimes on the edge, the Lions resisted until the final whistle.
Dominated but qualified, challenged but lucid, Cameroon moves forward. The Indomitable Lions will face Morocco on Friday at the Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
Match Events
0' The match is about to start!
3' Highlight from South Africa vs Cameroon
30' Highlight from South Africa vs Cameroon
34' GOAL! South Africa 0-1 Cameroon (Junior Tchamadeu)
47' GOAL! South Africa 0-2 Cameroon (Christian Kofane)
88' GOAL! South Africa 1-2 Cameroon (Evidence Makgopa)
Line-ups
South Africa XI: Ronwen Williams, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Siyabonga Ngezana, Teboho Mokoena, Khuliso Mudau, Bathusi Aubaas, Lyle Foster, Oswin Appollis, Relebohile Mofokeng, Samukelo Kabini, Mbekezeli Mbokazi
Subs: Ricardo Goss, Aubrey Modiba, Yaya Sithole, Sipho Chaine, Sipho Mbule, Thalente Mbatha, Evidence Makgopa, Tshepang Moremi, Elias Mokwana, Thabang Matuludi, Shandre Campbell, Mohau Nkota, Khulumani Ndamane, Tylon Smith
Cameroon XI: Devis Epassy, Nouhou, Danny Namaso, Bryan Mbeumo, Darlin Yongwa, Carlos Baleba, Che Malone, Samuel Kotto, Junior Tchamadeu, Arthur Avom, Christian Kofane
Subs: Olivier Kemen, G.K Nkoudou, G. Nyamsi, Christian Bassogog, Frank Magri, Simon Omossola, Christopher Wooh, Junior Dina Ebimbe, Jean Onana, Enzo Boyomo, Ngapandouetnbu, Patrick Soko, Karl Etta Eyong, Arnold Maël Kamdem, Mahamadou Nagida