The Indomitable Lions of Cameroon earned a dramatic 2-1 victory over Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Rabat to book their place in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter finals, claiming only their second-ever win over Bafana Bafana and their first since 1992.
South Africa started brightly and almost struck early when Lyle Foster glanced a 3rd-minute header just over the bar. Moments later, a defensive lapse allowed Relebohile Mofokeng to run clear, but his finish sailed high under pressure from goalkeeper Devis Epassy. Foster then had the ball in the net in the 15th minute, only for the flag to go up for offside.
Despite that strong start from South Africa, it was Cameroon who took the lead in the 34th minute. A corner was only half-cleared and, after a scramble inside the area, Junior Tchamadeu reacted quickest and calmly steered the ball home to give the Indomitable Lions the advantage at half-time.
Cameroon came out flying after the break and doubled their lead in the 48th minute with a superb near-post header from Christian Kofane, who guided his effort into the far corner. South Africa responded by pushing forward, but Foster and substitute Jabulani Kabini were both denied from close range, while Ronwen Williams had to stay sharp to prevent Cameroon adding a third on the counterattack.
South Africa finally pulled one back in the 88th minute when Evidence Makgopa converted a fine cross from substitute Moremi, sparking late drama. Makgopa then went close again with a header that drifted just wide, but Cameroon held on through the closing stages to seal a hard-fought victory.
Before this match, South Africa had won three of the previous nine meetings between the nations, with Cameroon victorious only once and five draws recorded. This result marks a major disappointment for Bafana Bafana and coach Hugo Broos, who famously guided Cameroon to the AFCON title in 2021.
In a clash of Lions, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon now advance to face tournament hosts Atlas Lions of Morocco in the quarter finals on 9 January 2026.
