Cameroon will face tournament hosts Morocco in the quarter-finals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) after securing a hard-fought 2–1 victory over South Africa in Rabat.
Goals from Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane proved enough to send the Indomitable Lions through, despite a late fightback from a South Africa side coached by Cameroon’s former manager, Hugo Broos.
The result sparked celebrations among Cameroon’s supporters, who dominated the crowd and created a lively atmosphere inside the stadium.
South Africa Start Strong but Fail to Take Chances
South Africa began the match with confidence and energy. In the opening minutes, they pressed high and created several promising chances, putting Cameroon’s defence under early pressure.
Burnley striker Lyle Foster came close in the third minute, heading just wide from a free-kick. Shortly after, Relebohile Mofokeng missed a golden opportunity when he fired over the crossbar after breaking through the Cameroon defence.
Foster even had the ball in the net later in the half, but his effort was ruled out for offside after a close decision.
Despite their strong start, South Africa failed to convert their chances, and that proved costly.
A Lucky Break Gives Cameroon the Lead
Cameroon took the lead in the 34th minute thanks to a moment of fortune. After a corner was only partially cleared, Carlos Baleba struck a shot that bounced around inside the penalty area.
The ball deflected off two players before falling kindly to Stoke City right-back Junior Tchamadeu. From close range, he calmly finished into the net.
The goal was checked by the video assistant referee (VAR) for a possible offside, but after a long review, it was allowed to stand.
It was a setback for South Africa, who had looked the better side up to that point.
Kofane Doubles the Advantage After the Break
Cameroon came out strongly for the second half, and their pressure paid off almost immediately.
Just two minutes after the restart, 19-year-old striker Christian Kofane scored with a fine header. He met a well-placed cross from Mahamadou Nagida and guided the ball across goalkeeper Ronwen Williams into the far corner.
The goal showed both quality and composure and gave Cameroon a commanding 2–0 lead.
Kofane, who plays for Bayer Leverkusen, continued to impress with his movement and strength. He nearly scored again after latching onto a long pass from Bryan Mbeumo, but South Africa managed to recover in time.
Goalkeeper Epassy Keeps Cameroon Ahead
South Africa responded by pushing forward in search of a way back into the game. Cameroon goalkeeper Devis Epassy played a key role during this period.
He made a strong save to deny full-back Samukele Kabini from close range and later produced another sharp stop to push a Teboho Mokoena free-kick around the post.
As rain poured down and the tempo increased, the match became tense, with both teams battling for control.
Late Drama as South Africa Pull One Back
South Africa finally found the breakthrough in the 88th minute. Evidence Makgopa scored from close range after meeting a well-delivered cross from Aubrey Modiba.
The goal sparked hope among South African fans and set up a nervous finish for Cameroon.
Deep into stoppage time, Makgopa nearly equalised again. He flicked a long ball toward goal, but his effort drifted wide of an empty net after Epassy failed to reach the delivery.
The chance drew gasps from the crowd before turning into loud cheers as the final whistle blew moments later.
Cameroon held on to record just their second-ever victory over South Africa at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Emotions Run High on and off the Pitch
The match carried extra emotion due to the presence of South Africa coach Hugo Broos, who famously led Cameroon to Afcon glory in 2017.
Before the game, Broos had said he would show his former team “no mercy.” Cameroon supporters clearly remembered the comment and booed him whenever he appeared on the stadium’s big screens.
In contrast, Cameroonian football legend Samuel Eto’o received a hero’s welcome. Eto’o, now president of the Cameroon Football Federation (Fecafoot), was in attendance alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
Eto’o’s recent decision to sack Belgian coach Marc Brys just weeks before the tournament had raised eyebrows. Brys was dismissed after Fecafoot accused him of professional misconduct.
Youthful Cameroon Squad Shows Promise
Under new head coach David Pagou, Cameroon arrived at the tournament with a young and refreshed squad. Several big names, including Manchester United goalkeeper Andre Onana and captain Vincent Aboubakar, were left out.
So far, Eto’o’s bold choices appear to be paying off.
Christian Kofane has emerged as one of the tournament’s standout young players. The teenager made his professional debut less than a year ago with Spanish side Albacete and earned his first Cameroon cap earlier in this competition.
His strength, hold-up play, and finishing have given Cameroon a new attacking edge, allowing creative players like Mbeumo and Danny Namaso to shine behind him.
A Tough Test Against Morocco Awaits
Cameroon now turn their attention to hosts Morocco, who will have home support and momentum on their side in the quarter-finals.
The five-time Afcon champions have shown flashes of quality, especially in attack, but questions remain about whether their young squad has enough experience to overcome Morocco on home soil.
For now, Cameroon can celebrate a well-earned victory built on resilience, timely goals, and a calm finish under pressure.
Their fans will head home hopeful that this new generation can continue the proud tradition of one of Africa’s most successful football nations.