Cameroon booked their place in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after edging South Africa 2–1 in a tense and entertaining Round of 16 encounter at the Al Madina Stadium in Rabat on Sunday night.
The Indomitable Lions showed their trademark resilience and big-match temperament, striking once in each half to take control of the contest before withstanding a late surge from Bafana Bafana.
Cameroon made a purposeful start and were rewarded midway through the first half. From a corner that South Africa failed to clear, Samuel Kotto showed alertness to keep the ball alive, allowing Junior Tchamadeu space in the centre of the box.
The defender kept his composure and drilled a low finish past the goalkeeper to give Cameroon an early advantage.
South Africa attempted to respond by increasing their tempo and pressing higher up the pitch, but Cameroon remained compact and disciplined, limiting clear-cut chances as they carried a slender lead into the break.
The five-time champions came out with renewed intent after half-time and doubled their advantage in the second period. Aboubakar Nagida delivered an inviting cross from the flank, and Christian Kofane rose above his marker to power a header into the net, a goal that appeared to put Cameroon firmly in control of the tie.
Refusing to fold, South Africa pushed forward in the closing stages and finally found a breakthrough. Aubrey Modiba’s teasing delivery caused problems in the Cameroonian penalty area, and Evidence Makgopa reacted quickest to turn the ball home from close range, giving Bafana Bafana renewed hope.
The final minutes were played at a frantic pace as South Africa searched for an equaliser, but Cameroon’s experience told. The Indomitable Lions managed the game smartly, saw out the pressure and held on for a deserved 2–1 victory.
With the win, Cameroon advance to the quarter-finals, where they will look to build on this performance as they continue their quest for a sixth Africa Cup of Nations title, while South Africa bow out after a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful challenge.
Wow, what a fantastic victory for Cameroon! It was an incredibly exciting match to watch, truly deserving of the quarter-final spot.