Cameroon scored a goal in both halves to beat South Africa 2-1 in the last 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations finals on Sunday and set up a quarter-final against hosts Morocco.
Five-time winners Cameroon proved too strong at the Stade El Barida as they remained on course for Cup of Nations success, compensating for their failure to qualify for this year’s World Cup in North America.
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Goals from Junior Tchamadeu and teenage striker Christian Kofane secured an important win for the Indomitable Lions, although they had to fend off a late comeback when South Africa pulled one back with two minutes to play through substitute Evidence Makgopa.
Earlier on Sunday, Morocco booked their place in the last eight with a 1-0 win over Tanzania, also in Rabat.
South Africa had a good start and two good chances to take an early lead, with Lyle Foster heading wide from a free-kick in the second minute and Relebogile Mofokeng breaking free after some horror defending against Che Malone, but then putting his effort over the topwith only the goalkeeper to beat.
Cameroon then took control of the match, with Bryan Mbeumo showing impressive zeal as he continually switched flanks and probed the opposition defence.
But it was fullback Tchamadeu who made the breakthrough in the 34th minute when Carlos Baleba’s shot from the edge of the area, after South Africa had cleared a corner, bounced off a defender to Tchamadeu in space on the left, and he had an easy finish.
Kofane, 19, put Cameroon ahead two minutes into the second half when he headed home unmarked at the back post for a second goal in consecutive games at the tournament.
South Africa looked to get themselves back into the match when left-back Samkelo Kabini cleared an effort off the line on the hour mark, and Teboho Mokoena’s free-kick was turned around the corner by Cameroon goalkeeper Devis Epassy.
At the other end, a quick counter-attack from Cameroon with twenty minutes to go could have led to another score, but South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made a crucial interception to deny Arthur Avom.
South Africa laid siege to Cameroon’s goal in the closing stages and substitute Makgopa bundled the ball home for a late consolation.
Published on January 5, 2026
