Cameroon Edge Past South Africa 2-1 in AFCON 2025 Round of 16 Thriller

5 January 2026 Sports

Dramatic Knockout Clash in Morocco

The Africa Cup of Nations 2025-26 Round of 16 stage saw Cameroon secure a 2-1 victory against South Africa at the Agdal Medina Stadium on January 5, 2026. This crucial knockout match in Rabat, Morocco, marked a significant moment in the tournament as South Africa faced Cameroon in a decisive AFCON 2025 Round of 16 match, where there was a lot at stake for both teams.

Match Details and Key Moments

The breakthrough arrived in the 41st minute as Junior Tchamadeu capitalized on a well-worked move to beat the South African back line and give Cameroon a deserved lead heading into the break. The second half could not have started better for Cameroon as at 54 minutes, Christian Kofane struck to make it 2-0, putting immediate pressure on South Africa. Despite dominating possession at 66.5%, South Africa struggled to convert their chances until late in the match.

Just when the match seemed settled, South Africa found a late lifeline in the 88th minute as Evidence Maggopa pulled one back to make it 2–1, adding real tension to the closing moments. That set up a grandstand finish, but Cameroon nervously held on.

Tournament Context and What’s Next

The five-time champions now play the hosts, Morocco, in a heavyweight quarterfinal on Friday. For Cameroon, reaching the last eight means their AFCON is already a success after a chaotic buildup in which Samuel Eto’o, the football federation president and Indomitable Lions legend, sacked the coach, Marc Brys, replacing him with David Pagou.

The match was particularly poignant as the new coach got the better of South Africa’s Hugo Broos, who had promised to show no mercy to Cameroon, nine years after leading them to their last continental crown at the Cup of Nations in Gabon. For South Africa, the defeat ends a promising campaign, though they can turn their attention to upcoming World Cup preparations. The result demonstrates Cameroon’s resilience and ability to perform under pressure despite pre-tournament turmoil.