Cameroon booked a place in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over South Africa, setting up a mouth-watering showdown with hosts Morocco. Goals from Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane proved decisive as the Indomitable Lions overcame a South African side coached by their former manager, Hugo Broos. South Africa started brightly, pressing Cameroon early, but it was the Central Africans who struck first in the 34th minute with a goal that owed much to fortune. A half-cleared corner saw Carlos Baleba’s shot ricochet off Bafana Bafana midfielder Nkosinathi Sibisi and Cameroon defender Samuel Kotto before falling kindly to Stoke City right-back Tchamadeu, who finished from close range. The goal was confirmed after a lengthy VAR check for offside. Cameroon doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second half despite heavy rain at the venue. Striker Christian Kofane glanced a precise near-post header beyond goalkeeper Ronwen Williams after meeting a well-delivered cross from Mahamadou Nagida on the left. South Africa pushed back strongly as the match wore on, with Cameroon goalkeeper Devis Epassy producing two fine saves to keep his side in control. At the other end, Kofane came close to adding a second goal after latching onto a long pass from Bryan Mbeumo. Bafana Bafana set up a tense finish when Evidence Makgopa pulled a goal back in the 88th minute, tapping in from close range to give his side renewed hope. However, Cameroon held their nerve in the closing moments to secure victory and delight their supporters. The win sends Cameroon into the quarter-finals, where they will face tournament hosts Morocco, who earlier edged Tanzania 1-0. The highly anticipated tie will take place in Rabat on Friday, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00 GMT.
Cameroon Set Up AFCON Quarter-Final Clash With Hosts Morocco
