Cameroon end South Africa’s AFCON run, set up Quarter-Final clash with Morocco
Cameroon kept their Africa Cup of Nations campaign alive and ended South Africa’s hopes of reaching the last eight with a hard-fought 2–1 win in their Round of 16 clash on Sunday.
Goals either side of half-time from Junior Tchamadeu and teenage forward Christian Kofane proved decisive at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, as the Indomitable Lions edged past Bafana Bafana to secure a quarter-final showdown with tournament hosts Morocco.
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South Africa mounted a late rally through Evidence Makgopa, but Cameroon held firm to advance, while Bafana bowed out earlier than hoped after finishing third at the previous AFCON two years ago.
Cameroon strike at key moments
South Africa started brightly and could have taken the lead inside seven minutes. Relebohile Mofokeng capitalised on a defensive error by Che Malone to break through on goal, but the Orlando Pirates forward blasted his effort over the bar.
Lyle Foster then thought he had opened the scoring for Bafana, only for the offside flag to deny him.
Those missed chances proved costly. Cameroon gradually settled and took the lead in the 34th minute following a corner that South Africa failed to clear convincingly. Carlos Baleba’s effort from the edge of the box deflected into the path of Tchamadeu, who calmly rolled the ball home from close range.
After a lengthy VAR review, the goal stood, sparking celebrations among the Cameroonian supporters who dominated the 14,127 crowd. Watching on was Samuel Eto’o, the Indomitable Lions legend and current federation president.
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South Africa hoped to respond strongly after the break, but Cameroon struck again almost immediately. Just two minutes into the second half, substitute Mahamadou Nagida delivered a cross from the left, and 18-year-old Bayer Leverkusen forward Christian Kofane rose highest to head home his second goal of the tournament.
The goal gave Cameroon control of the contest and put South Africa under mounting pressure.
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Bafana Bafana pushed forward in search of a way back into the game, but were repeatedly denied by goalkeeper Devis Epassy. The Cameroonian shot-stopper produced fine saves to keep out efforts from Samukele Kabini and a dangerous free-kick from Teboho Mokoena.
South Africa finally pulled one back in the 88th minute when substitute Aubrey Modiba delivered a low cross that Evidence Makgopa turned in at the near post.
The late goal set up a tense finish, but Cameroon managed the closing stages well, seeing out the final minutes to seal their place in the quarter-finals.
Calm Confidence for Cameroon
Cameroon can now approach their quarter-final clash against Morocco on Friday with a sense of freedom. The pressure will firmly rest on the hosts, who are chasing their first AFCON title in 50 years in front of home support.
For Cameroon, simply reaching the last eight already represents a successful tournament, especially after a chaotic build-up that saw federation president Samuel Eto’o sack head coach Marc Brys and appoint David Pagou shortly before the competition.
Pagou also outmanoeuvred South Africa coach Hugo Broos, who famously guided Cameroon to AFCON glory in 2017 and had vowed to show no mercy against his former side.
South Africa Look Ahead
There will be disappointment for South Africa, who arrived in Morocco with hopes of another deep run after their third-place finish in the Ivory Coast. However, Bafana Bafana can now turn their focus toward World Cup qualification and rebuilding momentum on the international stage.
For Cameroon, the journey continues, and a heavyweight quarter-final against Morocco now awaits.
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