Cameroon will take on the host nation Morocco in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane scored, securing a 2-1 victory against a South African team coached by their ex-coach Hugo Broos.
After a bright start from the South Africans, a fortunate turn of events paved the way for Stoke City right-back Tchamadeu to score the first goal in the 34th minute.
After a corner was partially cleared, Carlos Baleba’s shot rebounded around the penalty area, initially hitting Bafana Bafana midfielder Nkosinathi Sibisi and then Indomitable Lions defender Samuel Kotto, before falling nicely for Tchamadeu to score from a short distance, with the goal validated after an extensive video assistant referee (VAR) review for offside.
As the rain fell heavily, striker Kofane directed a flawless near-post header past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams just two minutes into the second half, thanks to a tempting left-wing cross from Mahamadou Nagida.
Cameroon keeper Devis Epassy made two impressive saves as South Africa mounted a comeback, while Kofane nearly scored his second following a precise long pass over the top from Bryan Mbeumo.
Bafana created a thrilling finish when Evidence Makgopa scored from close range with two minutes remaining, but the Central Africans managed to cling on and send their many supporters home happy.
The hosts, who defeated Tanzania 1-0 earlier on Sunday, are now set to face the Indomitable Lions in what promises to be an exciting match in Rabat on Friday (19:00 GMT).
