Cameroon claim a 2-1 win over South Africa in the Round of 16
January 4, 2026
279d agoCameroon Edges Past South Africa to Secure Dramatic AFCON Quarter-Final Spot
RABAT, MOROCCO — A classic display of knockout football efficiency saw Cameroon overcome a spirited South Africa side 2-1 at the Agdal Medina Stadium on Sunday, booking their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals. Despite being dominated in possession and chances for long periods, the Indomitable Lions struck with clinical precision either side of halftime through Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane before surviving a nervy finale to advance.
The match began with South Africa, managed by former Cameroon title-winner Hugo Broos, asserting clear dominance. Bafana Bafana pressed high and created the game's first major chances, with Relebohile Mofokeng blazing over from close range and Lyle Foster seeing a goal ruled out for offside. Cameroon, often looking suffocated and shaky at the back, relied on goalkeeper Devis Epassy and South African profligacy to stay level.
Against the run of play, Cameroon delivered a sucker punch just after the half-hour mark. Following a partially cleared corner, the ball fell to Carlos Baleba on the edge of the box. His deflected shot found Junior Tchamadeu, who slotted home from close range to stun the South Africans. The goal, confirmed after a VAR check, completely shifted the momentum of the match.
Cameroon started the second half with a killer blow, doubling their lead just two minutes after the restart. A cross from the left by Mahamadou Nagida found the head of rising star Christian Kofane, and the 19-year-old Bayer Leverkusen striker guided a composed diving header into the net for his second goal of the tournament.
South Africa refused to surrender and set up a tense finish when Evidence Makgopa turned in a low cross from Aubrey Modiba in the 88th minute. The goal ignited a frantic finale, with goalkeeper Epassy making crucial interventions and surviving a major scare when he flapped at a cross, only for Makgopa to head the loose ball wide of an empty net. Cameroon's defence, under intense pressure, held firm through five minutes of stoppage time to secure the victory.
Cameroon now advances to a heavyweight quarter-final clash against tournament hosts Morocco this Friday in Rabat. For South Africa, the dream of replicating their third-place finish from 2023 is over, as they exit a tournament where head coach Hugo Broos had repeatedly warned of the need for sharper concentration.
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