Cameroon booked a quarter-final showdown with hosts Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations after securing a hard-fought 2-1 victory over South Africa, coached by their former manager Hugo Broos.
South Africa started brightly, but Cameroon took the lead in the 34th minute with the help of a fortunate break. A partially cleared corner led to a Carlos Baleba shot that ricocheted inside the penalty area, striking both Bafana Bafana midfielder Nkosinathi Sibisi and Cameroon defender Samuel Kotto before falling kindly for Stoke City right-back Junior Tchamadeu, who finished from close range. The goal was eventually allowed following a lengthy VAR review for offside.
Just two minutes into the second half, and with heavy rain falling, Cameroon doubled their advantage. Christian Kofane met a well-delivered cross from Mahamadou Nagida on the left, glancing a precise header past goalkeeper Ronwen Williams at the near post.
South Africa pushed back, forcing Cameroon goalkeeper Devis Epassy into two important saves as the game opened up. Kofane nearly added a second goal of his own after racing onto a long pass from Bryan Mbeumo.
The match set up a tense finish when Evidence Makgopa pulled a goal back for South Africa from close range with two minutes of normal time remaining. However, Cameroon held firm in the closing moments to seal victory and spark celebrations among their supporters.
Cameroon will now face Morocco, who edged Tanzania 1-0 earlier on Sunday, in a highly anticipated quarter-final in Rabat on Friday, with kickoff scheduled for 19:00 GMT.
