Cameroon produced a composed and clinical performance to eliminate South Africa with a 2–1 victory in their AFCON 2025 Round of 16 encounter, ending Bafana Bafana’s campaign and sending the Indomitable Lions into the quarter-finals in Morocco.
In a tightly contested knockout clash filled with momentum swings, Cameroon’s experience in big tournament moments proved decisive, as they punished South Africa’s missed chances and defended resolutely in the closing stages.
Fast Start, Early Warning Signs
South Africa began the match with confidence, pressing high and moving the ball quickly through midfield. Their early intent nearly paid off inside the opening 10 minutes when a low cross from the right found an unmarked attacker at the far post, but the finish lacked conviction and was comfortably saved.
Cameroon absorbed the pressure calmly and gradually began to impose themselves physically, winning second balls and slowing the tempo.
Goal 1: Cameroon Strike First
Cameroon opened the scoring midway through the first half with a well-worked move. A swift transition from midfield caught South Africa stretched, allowing a diagonal pass to split the defence. The Cameroonian forward took a composed first touch inside the box before firing a low, right-footed shot past the goalkeeper and into the bottom corner to make it 1–0.
The goal shifted the momentum, forcing South Africa to chase the game while Cameroon grew in confidence.
Goal 2: South Africa Respond
Bafana Bafana showed resilience and were rewarded shortly before the break. Sustained pressure led to a loose clearance at the edge of the box, where a South African midfielder reacted quickest. He struck a powerful first-time effort that deflected slightly on its way past the Cameroonian goalkeeper, levelling the score at 1–1.
The equaliser reignited South Africa’s belief and ensured the match remained finely balanced heading into halftime.
Second Half Tension and Turning Point
The second half was more cautious, with both sides aware that a single mistake could decide the tie. South Africa created the clearer chances, most notably when a one-on-one opportunity was squandered after a heavy touch allowed the Cameroonian keeper to smother the ball.
That miss would prove costly.
Goal 3: Cameroon Deliver the Decisive Blow
Cameroon regained the lead with just over 20 minutes remaining. A corner kick caused chaos in the South African penalty area, and after an initial header was blocked, the ball fell kindly to a Cameroonian defender who reacted fastest to stab it home from close range, restoring Cameroon’s advantage at 2–1.
South Africa pushed forward desperately in search of another equaliser, committing numbers forward and testing Cameroon’s back line with crosses and long-range efforts. However, Cameroon’s defence held firm, managing the game intelligently and running down the clock with experienced game management.
South Africa reached the Round of 16 after a disciplined group-stage campaign that included a vital win and a hard-fought draw, while Cameroon advanced unbeaten from their group, showcasing their trademark tournament consistency.
The defeat ends South Africa’s AFCON 2025 journey in heartbreak, marked by missed opportunities and fine margins. For Cameroon, the victory reinforces their reputation as perennial contenders, as they march confidently into the quarter-finals with belief and momentum.
The Indomitable Lions now turn their attention to the next knockout challenge, knowing that performances like this could carry them deep into the tournament once again.