Cameroon End South Africa’s AFCON 2025 Campaign
2 min read
By Sedara Philip
South Africa’s journey at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations came to an end on Sunday after a spirited but ultimately unsuccessful outing against Cameroon, as the Indomitable Lions secured a 2–1 victory in their Round of 16 clash.
Bafana Bafana made an impressive start to the encounter, dictating the tempo and enjoying the bulk of possession in the early stages.
Their bright opening almost paid off in the 13th minute when Lyle Foster found the back of the net, only for the goal to be chalked off for offside.
Hugo Broos’ men continued to assert themselves over the next phase of the game, carving out several promising opportunities but failing to turn their dominance into goals. That wastefulness proved costly as Cameroon struck against the run of play.
In the 33rd minute, a corner kick caused chaos in the South African defence following a poor clearance. Carlos Baleba’s effort took a deflection and fell invitingly to Junior Tchamadeu, who reacted quickest to slot the ball into the bottom-right corner, leaving goalkeeper Ronwen Williams stranded.
The breakthrough lifted Cameroon’s confidence, and the five-time African champions began to impose themselves on the contest.
They went into halftime with a narrow lead and returned from the interval with renewed intent.
Just two minutes into the second half, Cameroon doubled their advantage.
Aboubakar Nagida delivered a teasing cross into the area, which was met by Christian Kofane, who powered his header past Williams to put the Indomitable Lions firmly in control.
South Africa refused to go down without a fight and pressed hard for a way back into the game.
Their persistence was finally rewarded in the 88th minute when Evidence Makgopa turned home from close range after a well-worked cross from Aubrey Modiba.
However, the late strike proved merely a consolation as Cameroon held their nerve in the closing moments to seal a deserved 2–1 victory and book their place in the quarterfinals.
The Indomitable Lions will now turn their attention to a heavyweight quarterfinal showdown against tournament hosts Morocco on Friday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
Sedara Philip is a Sports writer, an administrator,Journalist,and editor
