Cameroon weathered a fierce South African onslaught before striking with ruthless efficiency to secure a 2-1 victory and advance to the quarter-finals of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025.
Under sustained pressure for long stretches at the Stade Prince Moulay Abdellah in Rabat, the Indomitable Lions showed their trademark resilience, absorbing waves of attacks before capitalising on key moments to eliminate a lively Bafana Bafana side.
South Africa dominated the early exchanges with high energy, quick transitions and sustained pressure, forcing Cameroon goalkeeper Devis Epassy into multiple interventions. Despite their control, Hugo Broos’ men failed to convert their chances.
The momentum shifted in the 34th minute when Junior Tchamadeu struck against the run of play, calmly finishing Cameroon’s first real opportunity to stun the South Africans and tilt the contest.
Cameroon emerged from the break with renewed purpose and doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second half. Christian Kofane rose unchallenged to head home, punishing South Africa once again for defensive lapses.
Bafana Bafana refused to surrender and continued pushing forward. Their persistence paid off late in the game when Evidence Makgopa pulled one back in the 87th minute, setting up a tense finale.
Cameroon were forced into deep defence in the closing stages but held their shape under intense pressure to seal qualification. The victory sends the six-time African champions into a heavyweight quarter-final showdown against hosts Morocco.
Carlos Baleba was named TotalEnergies Man of the Match, praising Cameroon’s unity and composure ahead of the looming test.
“We are playing with belief and togetherness. Facing Morocco will be tough, but our mindset remains strong,” Baleba said.
South Africa coach Hugo Broos lamented the outcome, insisting his side deserved more from the contest.
“This is football. We played well and created chances, but knockout games punish mistakes,” he said.
Morocco grind past Tanzania to stay on title course
Earlier, tournament hosts Morocco booked their place in the last eight with a narrow 1-0 win over Tanzania, as Brahim Diaz once again proved decisive.
The Atlas Lions dominated possession throughout the contest but struggled to break down a disciplined Tanzanian defence that remained compact and organised for long periods.
Morocco thought they had taken the lead in the first half through Ismail Saibari, but the goal was overturned following a VAR review for offside, deepening frustration among the home supporters.
Walid Regragui’s side raised the tempo after the break and finally found the breakthrough in the 63rd minute. Diaz produced a moment of quality, cutting inside before firing past the goalkeeper from a tight angle.
The strike marked Diaz’s fourth goal of the tournament, moving him clear at the top of the scoring charts and reinforcing his importance to Morocco’s title ambitions.
Tanzania nearly shocked the hosts moments earlier when Feisal Toto missed a clear chance, but the Taifa Stars were unable to find a way back as Morocco managed the game professionally to the final whistle.
With the victory, Morocco set up a mouth-watering quarter-final clash against Cameroon in Rabat, as the hosts continue their pursuit of continental glory.
By Samson Jura
