Cameroon ended a 34-year wait for a victory against South Africa as they recorded their first-ever competitive win against Bafana Bafana to advance to the AFCON 2025 Quarter-Finals.
In a high-stakes Round of 16 encounter at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, the Indomitable Lions secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory, effectively exorcising the ghosts of 1996 and ending an unbeaten streak held by South Africa that had spanned seven consecutive matches.
The result marks a historic turning point in the rivalry, as Cameroon’s only previous success against the South Africans had come in a friendly match back in July 1992.
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South Africa head Coach Hugo Broos made significant changes to the starting lineup that beat Zimbabwe in the final group stage match.
Nkosinathi Sibisi was handed his first start of the tournament in defence.
In midfield, Bathusi Aubaas was brought in to partner Teboho Mokoena, starting ahead of Sphephelo Sithole with Relebohile Mofokeng earning his first start of AFCON 2025, joining Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis in attack.
Cameroon also return of Samuel Kotto back into the back three.
Cameroon end 34-year wait for win over South Africa to reach quarterfinals
Junior Tchamadeu broke the deadlock in the first half to give the Indomitable Lions the lead. The goal originated from a corner kick delivered into a crowded penalty area.
Samuel Kotto provided the assist, setting up Tchamadeu in the center of the box. The right-back remained composed and fired a right-footed shot past South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to make it 1–0 heading into the halftime break.
Cameroon struck again immediately after the halftime break to double their advantage.
Following a spell of pressure on the left flank, Aboubakar Nagida,who had come on earlier as a substitute for the injured Darlin Yonga,whipped a precise cross into the box.
Christian Kofane lost his marker and met the ball with a powerful header, directing it into the corner of the net at the far post.
While South Africa managed to pull a goal back in the dying minutes through Evidence Makgopa to make it 2-1, the two strikes from Tchamadeu and Kofane proved decisive in ending Cameroon’s long wait for a competitive win against Bafana Bafana.
Following their historic victory over South Africa, Cameroon will now play tournament hosts Morocco in the Quarter-Finals on January 9.
The Atlas Lions secured their place in the final eight earlier on Sunday with a 1-0 win over Tanzania.
Cameroon vs South Africa Starting Lineups
South Africa: Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Siyabonga Ngezana, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Samukelo Kabini, Teboho Mokoena, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Bathusi Aubaas, Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, Lyle Foster.
Cameroon: Devis Epassy, Nouhou Tolo, Samuel Kotto, Che Malone, Junior Tchamadeu, Carlos Baleba, Arthur Avom, Darlin Yongwa, Bryan Mbeumo, Danny Namaso, Christian Kofane.