South Africa vs Cameroon: 34 years of history ahead of AFCON 2025 Round of 16 clash

South Africa’s long-standing rivalry with Cameroon began 34 years ago, when Bafana Bafana returned to international football in 1992. Cameroon were the first opponents South Africa faced after readmission, marking the start of a rivalry that will be renewed on Sunday in Rabat, when the sides meet in the AFCON 2025 Round of 16.

Bafana Bafana have suffered just one defeat against the Indomitable Lions, a loss that came in a non-competitive match 33 years ago in Cape Town. Across nine previous meetings, South Africa have recorded three wins, while five matches ended in draws, including the last three encounters.

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Their most recent clash came during the 2016 AFCON qualifiers, when current South Africa coach Hugo Broos was in charge of Cameroon, just months before leading them to continental glory.

Below is a recap of their previous meetings.

South Africa 1–0 Cameroon

07/07/1992 – Friendly, Durban

South Africa’s first international match after readmission ended in a historic victory. With the game heading for a goalless draw, Doctor Khumalo converted a late penalty to score Bafana’s first-ever international goal, sealing a famous win against a Cameroon side featuring Roger Milla.

South Africa 1–2 Cameroon

09/07/1992 – Friendly, Cape Town

Two days later, Cameroon responded with a win at the Goodwood Showgrounds. Jacob Ewane scored twice, overturning an early own goal by Jules Onana, despite Cameroon finishing the match with nine men.

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South Africa 2–2 Cameroon

11/07/1992 – Friendly, Johannesburg

The third match in five days ended level. Cameroon twice took the lead through Jean-Claude Pagal and Ewane, but goals from Phil Masinga and Bennett Masinga ensured a draw.

South Africa 1–1 Cameroon

03/12/1994 – Four Nations Cup, Johannesburg

Cameroon led through Emmanuel Maboang before defender Edward Motale equalised. Khumalo was sent off shortly before the hour mark.

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South Africa 3–0 Cameroon

13/01/1996 – AFCON, Johannesburg

One of the most iconic fixtures between the sides came in the opening match of AFCON 1996. Goals from Phil Masinga, Mark Williams, and John “Shoes” Moshoeu laid the foundation for South Africa’s historic title win. This remains their only AFCON finals meeting.

South Africa 3–2 Cameroon

19/11/2008 – Friendly, Rustenburg

Preparing for the 2010 World Cup, Bafana surged into a two-goal lead through Teko Modise. Cameroon fought back, but Bernard Parker scored late to secure victory.

South Africa 1–1 Cameroon

10/01/2015 – Friendly, Libreville

Their first meeting outside South Africa saw Vincent Aboubakar score early for Cameroon before Sibusiso Vilakazi equalised after the break.

Cameroon 2–2 South Africa

26/03/2016 – AFCON Qualifier, Limbe

In their only match played in Cameroon, Bafana twice led through Tokelo Rantie and a stunning long-range strike by Hlompho Kekana, but goals from Sébastien Siani and Nicolas Nkoulou earned the hosts a draw.

As they prepare to meet again at AFCON 2025, history suggests a closely contested encounter between two sides that know each other remarkably well.