Cameroon ended a seven-match winless run against South Africa with a deserved 2-1 victory to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
South Africa started brightly and looked the sharper side in the early stages, exploiting uncertainty in the Cameroon defence. Relebohile Mofokeng had the first clear chance of the match after capitalising on slack defending, but the winger blazed over when through on goal.
Lyle Foster thought he had given Bafana Bafana the lead moments later with a well-taken angled finish, only for the assistant referee’s flag to cut celebrations short. A VAR review confirmed the striker was offside when the pass was played.
Cameroon struggled to impose themselves in attack for much of the first half, but their efficiency proved decisive.
In the 34th minute, South Africa failed to clear a corner, and after a shot from the edge of the area deflected kindly, Junior Tchamadeu reacted quickest to curl home from close range for his first international goal.
Junior Tchamadeu celebrating his goal. Photo Credit: AFP
The Indomitable Lions carried that momentum into the second half and doubled their lead just two minutes after the restart. Aboubakar Nagida delivered a pinpoint cross from the left, which Christian Kofane headed in expertly from a tight angle.
South Africa responded with attacking changes and sustained pressure, but goalkeeper Devis Epassy produced a series of outstanding saves to preserve Cameroon’s advantage. He denied Samukele Kabini from point-blank range before brilliantly tipping Teboho Mokoena’s free kick around the post.
Kofane celebrating his second AFCON 2025 goal with his teammates. Photo Credit: Getty Images
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Bafana Bafana continued to push and finally pulled a goal back late on when Evidence Makgopa struck from close range in the 88th minute, setting up a tense finish.
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However, Cameroon held firm through five minutes of stoppage time to seal progression, edging another tight AFCON contest.
