Bafana Bafana’s hopes of Africa Cup of Nations glory were dashed on Sunday night as they fell 2-1 to Cameroon in the last 16, ending South Africa’s 2025 AFCON campaign in disappointment.
South Africa, who impressed with a third‑place finish in Ivory Coast in 2024, began brightly in Rabat, creating three clear chances in the opening 10 minutes but failing to convert.
Their wastefulness proved costly as Cameroon seized control. Defender Junior Tchamadeu broke the deadlock in the 34th minute, capitalising on poor defensive clearance from a corner.
Just after halftime, Christian Kofane doubled the lead with a powerful header past goalkeeper South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams.
Bafana fought to stay in the contest, with Teboho Mokoena forcing a fine save from Cameroon’s Devis Epassy from a late freekick.
Substitute Evidence Makgopa pulled one back for South Africa in the 88th minute but it was too little, too late.
The defeat marks a setback for South Africa who had entered the tournament with optimism after last year’s resurgence.
Their group‑stage campaign in Morocco showed flashes of promise but inconsistency in front of goal carried into the knockout round.
Cameroon’s victory sends the Indomitable Lions into the quarterfinals where they will face hosts Morocco in Rabat on Friday.
JN/APA