South Africa have been eliminated from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after suffering a 2–1 defeat to Cameroon in the round of 16.
Hugo Broos’ side started brightly and dominated possession early on. In the 13th minute, Lyle Foster thought he had given Bafana Bafana the lead, but his effort was ruled out for offside.
South Africa continued to control proceedings during the opening 25 minutes but failed to capitalise on their dominance, with several chances going begging.
Against the run of play, Cameroon opened the scoring in the 33rd minute from a corner that was poorly cleared. Carlos Baleba’s initial effort took a deflection and fell kindly to Junior Tchamadeu, who fired home from close range into the bottom-right corner, leaving Ronwen Williams with no chance.
The goal boosted Cameroon’s confidence as they began to take control of the match. The Indomitable Lions went into the break with a one-goal advantage and carried their momentum into the second half.
Just two minutes after the restart, Cameroon doubled their lead when Christian Kofane headed home from an Aboubakar Nagida cross into the box.
South Africa pushed to get back into the game and eventually pulled one back in the 88th minute when Evidence Makgopa finished from close range into the bottom-left corner after a cross from Aubrey Modiba.
Despite the late goal, it proved too little, too late for Bafana Bafana as Cameroon held on to secure a deserved 2–1 victory.
The Indomitable Lions will now face the hosts, Morocco, in the quarterfinals on Friday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
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