South Africa vs Cameroon: Indomitable Lions roar past Bafana Bafana to set up Morocco quarter-final

Cameroon survived a shaky start and a nervy finish to beat South Africa 2-1 and set up an AFCON quarter-final clash against host Morocco.

Bafana Bafana found the back of the net early into the contest, but the goal was ruled out for offside. Cameroon shook off the weak start and opened the scoring in the 34th minute through Junior Tchamedeu; Christian Kofane doubled the lead minutes into the second half.

The Indomitable Lions held the two-goal lead until the 88th minute, when Evidence Makgopa pulled one back for Hugo Broos's side, setting up a frenetic end. However, David Pagou's boys held on to set up a quarter-final clash against the Atlas Lions.

South Africa had the better start, but Cameroon began to gain ascendancy as the first half wore on. Their pressure paid off in the 34th minute, when Junior Tchamadeu met a well-worked set-piece opportunity to fire home from close range. 

The right-wing-back’s goal underscored Cameroon's dominance and gave them momentum heading toward the interval. South Africa pressed for an equaliser after the break, but just two minutes into the second half, Cameroon struck again. 

Christian Kofane rose highest to head home from a precise delivery by Aboubakar Nagida, doubling the Lions’ lead and putting them in command of the match. 

Facing a two-goal deficit, South Africa then intensified their attacking efforts. They were rewarded in the 88th minute when Evidence Makgopa found the net with a well-timed finish following persistent pressure, which sparked hope of a dramatic late comeback. 

However, Cameroon’s defence held firm in stoppage time and saw out the closing stages to secure victory and progression.