Cameroon struck once in each half to eliminate South Africa with a 2–1 victory in the Round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday, booking a quarter-final showdown with hosts Morocco.
The five-time champions were made to work at Stade El Barida, but their composure and physicality ultimately proved decisive as Cameroon kept their continental title hopes alive after missing out on World Cup qualification.
Junior Tchamadeu opened the scoring in the 34th minute, reacting quickest after Carlos Baleba’s effort ricocheted into his path, before teenage striker Christian Kofane doubled the lead early in the second half with a close-range header — his second goal in as many matches.
South Africa had started brightly and could have been ahead inside the opening minutes, with Lyle Foster heading wide from a free-kick and Relebogile Mofokeng blazing over after capitalising on a defensive lapse. But Cameroon soon seized control, driven by Bryan Mbeumo’s tireless movement and pressure across the front line.
Bafana Bafana pushed hard for a way back. Samkelo Kabini had an effort cleared off the line, while Teboho Mokoena forced a smart save from Devis Epassy with a dipping free-kick. At the other end, Ronwen Williams produced a crucial intervention to deny Arthur Avom on a rapid counter.
Late pressure finally paid off when substitute Evidence Makgopa scrambled home with two minutes remaining, but the comeback fell short as Cameroon held firm to see out the contest.
Earlier in Rabat, Morocco advanced to the last eight with a narrow 1–0 win over Tanzania, setting up a heavyweight quarter-final clash with the Indomitable Lions.
“We know Morocco are a major force in African football,” said Baleba afterwards. “But we’re on a good run, the mindset is strong, and we’re playing for each other. That’s what makes this team dangerous.”