By Frank Ulom
RABAT (CONVERSEER) – Cameroon progressed to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals after defeating South Africa 2-1 at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, ending Hugo Broos’ hopes of winning a second continental title.
South Africa adopted a more defensive approach in a bid to control the midfield, but the tactical gamble failed as Cameroon outfoxed and outplayed them in the Round of 16 encounter. The defeat marked an early exit for Bafana Bafana, who had reached the semi-finals at the last edition.
The campaign, which began amid a controversial off-pitch issue involving Broos and Mbekezeli Mbokazi, ended in disappointment as irony followed the Belgian coach. Cameroon, a team Broos once guided to AFCON glory, brought his current dream to an abrupt halt.
South Africa started brightly and nearly broke the deadlock in the third minute when Lyle Foster rose highest to meet a cross, but his header failed to trouble the Cameroonian goal. Relebohile Mofokeng wasted another promising chance in the seventh minute, firing wide from outside the box, before Samukelo Kabini missed a clear opportunity two minutes later.
Foster thought he had given South Africa the lead in the 14th minute, but his effort was ruled out for offside. From that moment, the tide shifted in favour of Cameroon, who began to apply sustained pressure.
Cameroon were forced into an early change in the 21st minute when Darlin Yongwa was replaced by Mahamadou Nagida following medical attention. The substitution did not disrupt their rhythm, as they continued to dominate possession and territory.
In the 33rd minute, Bryan Mbeumo delivered a dangerous free kick that led to a rebound chance for Danny Namaso, who failed to convert. Cameroon made amends a minute later when Junior Tchamadeu, left unmarked, slotted past an exposed Ronwen Williams. The goal was briefly checked by VAR before Kenyan referee Peter Waweru confirmed it would stand.
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The Indomitable Lions returned for the second half with renewed intensity. Mbokazi made a crucial intervention in the 46th minute to prevent an immediate second goal, but the reprieve was short-lived. In the 47th minute, Christian Kofane connected with a Nagida delivery and headed home to double Cameroon’s lead.
South Africa enjoyed spells of possession as the match wore on, but Cameroon’s goalkeeper Devis Epassy produced a fine save on the hour mark to deny Kabini. Williams was later called into action to prevent further damage, quickly closing down Arthur Avom after a swift counterattack in the 70th minute.
Bafana Bafana pulled one back late on when Evidence Makgopa scored in the 88th minute, assisted by substitute Aubrey Modiba. However, the late resurgence by the 1996 champions proved insufficient to alter the outcome.
Mbeumo was a standout performer, with his pace and creativity posing constant problems for the South African defence, making him difficult to contain throughout the contest.
South Africa’s ambition to go beyond their third-place finish in Ivory Coast was cut short in Morocco. Despite being World Cup-bound, their quest for a second AFCON title will have to wait following defeat to a clinical Cameroonian side.
