Cameroon have secured their place in a heavyweight Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against hosts Morocco after edging out South Africa 2-1 on Sunday. Driven by the heartache of failing to qualify for the 2026 World Cup, the five-time winners proved too clinical for Bafana Bafana at the Stade El Barida.
South Africa enjoyed a bright start, squandering two golden opportunities to seize an early lead. Lyle Foster headed wide from a second-minute freekick, while Relebogile Mofokeng inexplicably fired over the bar after breaking free through a porous Cameroonian defense.
The Indomitable Lions soon took control, with Bryan Mbeumo showing impressive industry as he continually switched flanks to probe the opposing backline. The breakthrough arrived in the 34th minute when Carlos Baleba’s shot rebounded into the path of Junior Tchamadeu, who finished calmly from close range.
Cameroon doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second half through teenage striker Christian Kofane. The 19-year-old, rising unmarked at the back post, headed home to record his second goal in successive matches at the tournament.
Despite a late scare as Evidence Makgopa pulled one back for South Africa with two minutes to play, Cameroon held firm. They now prepare for a titanic clash in Rabat against a Moroccan side that booked their own berth with a 1-0 win over Tanzania.
