Bafana Bafana Exit AFCON After Costly Misses in 2–1 Loss to Cameroon

Missed Chances Cost Bafana in Narrow AFCON Defeat

Bafana Bafana bowed out of the Africa Cup of Nations after a narrow 2–1 defeat to Cameroon in Rabat on Sunday night. South Africa dominated possession and territory for long spells but were punished for their lack of cutting edge in front of goal. Cameroon struck first through Junior Tchamadeu before Christian Kofane doubled the lead early in the second half.
Bafana continued to press and were rewarded late on when Evidence Makgopa pulled a goal back from close range. Despite a strong late push, including sustained pressure and set-pieces, the equaliser never came. Cameroon’s efficiency in both boxes ultimately proved decisive on the night.

The Indomitable Lions now progress to face Morocco in the quarter-finals. For South Africa, the exit is disappointing, but the performance showed encouraging signs. Attention now turns to the upcoming World Cup qualifiers in June. Bafana Bafana leave AFCON 2025 with pride, belief, and positives to build on.

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South Africa vs Cameroon Match Details: South Africa Starting XI: Williams (C), Mbokazi, Ngezana, Mudau ,Kabini, Sibisi, Mokoena, Aubass, Mofokeng, Appollis, Foster Substitutes:
Smith, Ndamane, Mbatha, Modiba, Moremi, Nkota, Mokwana, Sithole, Chaine (GK), Mbule, Goss (GK), Makgopa, Campbell, Matuludi

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 Scores | South Africa  1-2 Cameroon| FULL TIME

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Bafana Bafana played well and created chances, but they failed to make them count — and against a stronger, more clinical side, you get punished for exactly that. Cameroon took their moments and progressed.

The Indomitable Lions will now face Morocco in the quarter-finals this Friday.

For South Africa, attention turns to the World Cup in June, with plenty of positives to take forward from this AFCON campaign. Thank you to Bafana Bafana for representing the nation with pride.

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90’+6 – ⏱️ Full time: The second half ends. South Africa 1–2 Cameroon.
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90’+5 – Corner: South Africa win a late corner, conceded by Samuel Kotto.
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90’+4 – Free kick won: Teboho Mokoena (South Africa) earns a free kick in the attacking half.
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90’+4 – Foul: Patrick Soko (Cameroon) commits a foul.
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90’+3 – Play resumes: The delay is over and the match continues.
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90’+3 – Injury delay: Play is stopped as Siyabonga Ngezana (South Africa) receives treatment.
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90’+1 – ⏱️ Added time: The fourth official signals 5 minutes of stoppage time.
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90’ – Chance blocked: Lyle Foster’s right-footed effort from the centre of the box is blocked.
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90’ – 🔁 Substitution (Cameroon): Patrick Soko replaces Christian Kofane.
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90’ – 🔁 Substitution (Cameroon): Enzo Boyomo comes on for the injured Carlos Baleba.
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88’ – ⚽ GOAL | South Africa 1–2 Cameroon: Evidence Makgopa scores from close range, steering a right-footed finish into the bottom left corner after a cross from Aubrey Modiba.
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87’ – Play resumes: The brief delay is over and the match continues.
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87’ – 🟨 Yellow card: Carlos Baleba (Cameroon) is booked.
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86’ – Injury delay: Play is stopped as Carlos Baleba (Cameroon) receives treatment.
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85’ – Free kick won: Mbekezeli Mbokazi (South Africa) earns a free kick on the right wing.
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85’ – Foul: Carlos Baleba (Cameroon) commits a foul.
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85’ – Corner: South Africa win a corner, conceded by Christopher Wooh.
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84’ – Free kick won: Bathusi Aubaas (South Africa) earns a free kick in the defensive half.
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84’ – Foul: Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon) penalised.
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83’ – 🔁 Substitution (South Africa): Tshepang Moremi replaces Nkosinathi Sibisi.
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83’ – 🟨 Yellow card: Lyle Foster (South Africa) is booked.
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83’ – Foul: Lyle Foster (South Africa) commits a foul.
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83’ – Free kick won: Che Malone (Cameroon) earns a free kick in the defensive half.
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81’ – Chance: Christian Kofane (Cameroon) breaks quickly and shoots from the centre of the box, but his right-footed effort goes just wide to the right. Assisted by Bryan Mbeumo.
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80’ – Play resumes: The delay is over and the match continues.
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79’ – 🔁 Substitution (Cameroon): Olivier Kemen replaces Danny Namaso.
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79’ – 🔁 Substitution (Cameroon): Christopher Wooh comes on for Aboubakar Nagida.
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78’ – Injury delay: Play is stopped as Carlos Baleba (Cameroon) receives treatment.
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75’ – 🔁 Substitution (South Africa): Sipho Mbule replaces Relebohile Mofokeng.
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73’ – Free kick won: Aubrey Modiba (South Africa) earns a free kick in the defensive half.
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73’ – Free kick won: Siyabonga Ngezana (South Africa) earns a free kick in the defensive half.
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73’ – Foul: Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon) commits a foul.
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72’ – Corner: Cameroon win a corner, conceded by Lyle Foster.
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72’ – 🟨 Yellow card: Teboho Mokoena (South Africa) is booked for a bad foul.
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72’ – Foul: Teboho Mokoena (South Africa) concedes a free kick.
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72’ – Free kick won: Danny Namaso (Cameroon) earns a free kick in the attacking half.
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70’ – Save: Ronwen Williams (South Africa) keeps out Arthur Avom’s close-range effort, saving in the centre of the goal.
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69’ – Corner: South Africa win a corner, conceded by Dévis Epassy.
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69’ – Save: Dévis Epassy (Cameroon) dives low to his right to deny Teboho Mokoena’s long-range strike.
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67’ – Free kick won: Relebohile Mofokeng (South Africa) earns a free kick in the attacking half.
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67’ – Free kick won: Relebohile Mofokeng (South Africa) earns a free kick in the attacking half.
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67’ – Foul: Arthur Avom (Cameroon) commits a foul.
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66’ – Chance: Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon) heads wide from the centre of the box after a cross from Aboubakar Nagida.
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65’ – 🟨 Yellow card: Aubrey Modiba (South Africa) is booked for a bad foul.
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65’ – Foul: Aubrey Modiba (South Africa) concedes a free kick.
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65’ – Free kick won: Carlos Baleba (Cameroon) earns a free kick in the defensive half.
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63’ – 🔁 Substitution (South Africa): Evidence Makgopa replaces Oswin Appollis.
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63’ – 🔁 Substitution (South Africa): Aubrey Modiba comes on for Samukelo Kabini.
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62’ – Chance: Mbekezeli Mbokazi (South Africa) fires a left-footed effort from the left side of the box, but it drifts wide to the right. Assisted by Relebohile Mofokeng.
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62’ – Save: Dévis Epassy (Cameroon) makes a low save to deny Samukelo Kabini’s effort from the centre of the box.
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61’ – Shot blocked: Oswin Appollis’ long-range attempt is blocked. Assisted by Lyle Foster.
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59’ – 🟨 Yellow card: Nkosinathi Sibisi (South Africa) is booked for a bad foul.
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59’ – Foul: Nkosinathi Sibisi (South Africa) commits a foul.
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59’ – Free kick won: Christian Kofane (Cameroon) earns a free kick on the right wing.
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58’ – Shot blocked: Teboho Mokoena’s right-footed effort from outside the box is blocked. Assisted by Siyabonga Ngezana.
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57’ – Shot blocked: Christian Kofane (Cameroon) sees his long-range attempt blocked. Assisted by Aboubakar Nagida.
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52’ – Foul: Teboho Mokoena (South Africa) concedes a foul.
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52’ – Free kick won: Carlos Baleba (Cameroon) earns a free kick in the defensive half.
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50’ – Foul: Nkosinathi Sibisi (South Africa) commits a foul.
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50’ – Free kick won: Christian Kofane (Cameroon) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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It’s now an uphill task for Bafana Bafana from here, and it would do no harm to introduce fresh substitutes as South Africa look for a spark to shift momentum and claw their way back into this AFCON Round of 16 contest.

47’ – ⚽ GOAL | South Africa 0–2 Cameroon: Christian Kofane powers home a header from the centre of the box, directing it into the bottom right corner. Assisted by Aboubakar Nagida with a cross.
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46’ – Corner: Cameroon win a corner, conceded by Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
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46’ – Second half underway: Play resumes with South Africa trailing 0–1 at the restart.

South Africa have enjoyed the bulk of possession and created several chances, but their lack of cutting edge has cost them so far — they may yet rue those missed opportunities if Cameroon continue to punish mistakes.

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Match Stats | South Africa vs Cameroon

Possession: South Africa 57.2% – 42.8% Cameroon
Shots: South Africa 7 – 5 Cameroon
Shots on target: South Africa 1 – 2 Cameroon
Touches in opposition box: South Africa 11 – 7 Cameroon
Goalkeeper saves: 1 – 1
Aerial duels won: South Africa 6 – 3 Cameroon
Fouls committed: South Africa 7 – 8 Cameroon
Corners: South Africa 3 – 1 Cameroon

Attacking stats:

• Shots off target: South Africa 4 – 2 Cameroon

• Attempts from outside the box: South Africa 2 – 3 Cameroon

• Offsides: South Africa 3 – 0 Cameroon

➡️ South Africa continue to see more of the ball and create pressure, but Cameroon remain more clinical in front of goal.

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Half-Time Defensive Stats | South Africa vs Cameroon

Total tackles: South Africa 7 – 6 Cameroon
Tackle success rate: South Africa 42.9% – 83.3% Cameroon
Fouls committed: South Africa 7 – 8 Cameroon
Yellow cards: South Africa 1 – 1 Cameroon
Clearances: South Africa 10 – 9 Cameroon

➡️ A tight, physical first half, with Cameroon more efficient in the tackle despite South Africa edging possession and clearances.

45’+2 – Chance: Bathusi Aubaas (South Africa) heads over the bar from the centre of the box after a corner. Assisted by Relebohile Mofokeng with a cross.
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45’+1 – ⏱️ Added time: The fourth official signals 3 minutes of stoppage time.
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45’+1 – Corner: South Africa win a corner, conceded by Bryan Mbeumo.
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45’ – Corner: Another corner for South Africa, this time conceded by Aboubakar Nagida.
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42’ – Foul: Lyle Foster (South Africa) commits a foul.
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42’ – Free kick won: Samuel Kotto (Cameroon) earns a free kick in the defensive half.
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42’ – Free kick won: Siyabonga Ngezana (South Africa) earns a free kick in the defensive half.
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42’ – Foul: Christian Kofane (Cameroon) penalised.
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41’ – Offside: Lyle Foster (South Africa) is caught offside.
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40’ – Chance: Danny Namaso (Cameroon) fires a right-footed effort from outside the box, but it sails just over. Assisted by Aboubakar Nagida.
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40’ – Shot blocked: Teboho Mokoena’s long-range effort for South Africa is blocked. Assisted by Nkosinathi Sibisi.
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39’ – Free kick won: Relebohile Mofokeng (South Africa) earns a free kick on the left wing.
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39’ – Foul: Che Malone (Cameroon) commits a foul.
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39’ – Free kick won: Khuliso Mudau (South Africa) wins a free kick on the right wing.
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39’ – Foul: Danny Namaso (Cameroon) penalised.
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39’ – Save: Ronwen Williams produces a strong save to deny Christian Kofane’s header from close range. Assisted by Danny Namaso’s cross.
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38’ – Foul: Bathusi Aubaas (South Africa) concedes a free kick.
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38’ – Free kick won: Danny Namaso (Cameroon) earns a free kick on the left wing.
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34’ – ⚽ GOAL | South Africa 0–1 Cameroon: Junior Tchamadeu fires home a right-footed shot from the centre of the box after a corner. Assisted by Samuel Kotto.
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34’ – Chance: Carlos Baleba (Cameroon) sees a long-range effort blocked.
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33’ – Corner: Cameroon win a corner, conceded by Mbekezeli Mbokazi.
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32’ – 🟨 Yellow card: Siyabonga Ngezana (South Africa) is booked for a bad foul.
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32’ – Foul: Siyabonga Ngezana (South Africa) commits a foul.
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32’ – Free kick won: Danny Namaso (Cameroon) earns a free kick in the attacking half.
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30’ – Foul: Relebohile Mofokeng (South Africa) concedes a foul.
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30’ – Free kick won: Che Malone (Cameroon) wins a free kick in the defensive half.

South Africa remain on top and controlling possession, but Cameroon are beginning to raise the intensity and grow into the game, asking more questions as the half progresses.

29’ – Free kick won: Teboho Mokoena (South Africa) earns a free kick in the defensive half.
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29’ – Foul: Danny Namaso (Cameroon) commits a foul.
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28’ – Corner: South Africa win a corner, conceded by Che Malone.
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27’ – Chance blocked: Oswin Appollis (South Africa) sees his right-footed effort from the centre of the box blocked.
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26’ – Free kick won: Bathusi Aubaas (South Africa) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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26’ – Foul: Samuel Kotto (Cameroon) penalised for a foul.
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25’ – Free kick conceded: Teboho Mokoena (South Africa) commits a foul.
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25’ – Free kick won: Arthur Avom (Cameroon) earns a free kick in the attacking half.
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24’ – Free kick won: Siyabonga Ngezana (South Africa) wins a free kick in the defensive half.
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24’ – Foul: Christian Kofane (Cameroon) commits a foul.
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21’ – 🔁 Substitution (Cameroon): Aboubakar Nagida comes on to replace Darlin Yongwa following an injury.
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20’ – Play resumes: The delay is over and the match continues.
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18’ – Injury delay: Play is stopped as Darlin Yongwa (Cameroon) receives treatment.

South Africa is on top of the situation, so far

14’ – ❌ NO GOAL (Offside): Lyle Foster finds the net, but the flag goes up for offside. After a VAR check, the decision is confirmed — no goal for South Africa.
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13’ – Free kick won: Teboho Mokoena (South Africa) earns a free kick in the defensive half.
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13’ – Foul: Darlin Yongwa (Cameroon) commits a foul.

11’ – Chance: Che Malone (Cameroon) tries his luck from more than 35 yards, but his right-footed effort flies high and wide to the left.
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9’ – Free kick conceded: Teboho Mokoena (South Africa) commits a foul.
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9’ – Free kick won: Danny Namaso (Cameroon) earns a free kick in the defensive half.
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9’ – Chance: Samukelo Kabini (South Africa) fires a left-footed shot from outside the box, but it goes high and wide to the right. Assisted by Teboho Mokoena.
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Match Stats …

Possession: South Africa 64.6% – 35.4% Cameroon
Shots: South Africa 3 – 0 Cameroon
Shots on target: 0 – 0
Touches in opposition box: South Africa 2 – 0 Cameroon
Goalkeeper saves: 0 – 0
Aerial duels won: South Africa 1 – 0 Cameroon
Fouls committed: South Africa 0 – 1 Cameroon
Corners: 0 – 0

Attacking stats:

• Shots off target: South Africa 3 – 0 Cameroon

• Attempts from outside the box: South Africa 1 – 0 Cameroon

• Offsides: South Africa 1 – 0 Cameroon

7’ – Chance: Relebohile Mofokeng (South Africa) fires a right-footed effort from the centre of the box, but the attempt goes off target.
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6’ – Offside: South Africa caught offside as Lyle Foster strays beyond the last defender.
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3’ – Chance: Lyle Foster (South Africa) heads just over the bar from the centre of the box. Assisted by Oswin Appollis with a cross from a set-piece.
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3’ – Play resumes: The brief delay is over and the match continues.
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2’ – 🟨 Yellow card: Nouhou Tolo (Cameroon) is booked for a bad foul.
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1’ – Free kick: Teboho Mokoena (South Africa) wins a free kick on the right wing.
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1’ – Foul: Nouhou Tolo (Cameroon) concedes a foul.
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1’ – Kick-off: The first half gets underway.
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1′ Lineups are announced and players are warming up.

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⏱️BREAKING …Today’s confirmed  South Africa Lineup!

⏱️What the formations mean:

South Africa’s 4-3-3 focuses on width and pressing, with four defenders, a balanced midfield three, and a front three designed to attack from wide areas.
Cameroon’s 3-4-2-1 uses a back three for defensive solidity, wing-backs for width, and two attacking midfielders supporting a lone striker.

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South Africa Starting XI:
Williams (C), Mbokazi, Ngezana, Mudau ,Kabini, Sibisi, Mokoena, Aubass, Mofokeng, Appollis, Foster

Head coach: Hugo Broos

Substitutes:
Smith, Ndamane, Mbatha, Modiba, Moremi, Nkota, Mokwana, Sithole, Chaine (GK), Mbule, Goss (GK), Makgopa, Campbell, Matuludi

Kick-off is imminent as Bafana Bafana chase a place in the AFCON quarter-finals. Stay tuned for live updates.

Cameroon Starting XI:
Epassy, Tolo (C), Kotto, Malone, Tchamadeu, Avom, Baleba, Yongwa, Mbeumo, Namaso,Kofane. Cameroon substitutes: Boyomo, Dina Ebimbe, Etta Eyong, Kamdem, Kemen, Magri, Bassogog, N’Koudou, Nagida, Ngapandouetnbu, Soko, Nyamsi, Omossola, Onana, Wooh.

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⏱️Dressing room…South Africa will be wearing this colour

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⏱️ Expected Lineups: Fans Split Over Bafana Bafana’s XI Against Cameroon

As Bafana Bafana prepare for tonight’s AFCON Round of 16 showdown against Cameroon, South African fans are sharply divided over Hugo Broos’ attacking setup — especially the No.10 role.

A strong section of supporters believe the team lacks tempo, energy, and vertical transitions in advanced midfield areas. Many argue that Mofokeng offers the kind of quick thinking, mobility, and bravery on the ball needed to unlock a physical but well-organised Cameroonian side.

Fans backing Mofokeng insist he thrives in tight spaces and links naturally with Appollis and Moremi, players capable of quick combinations and sudden accelerations. The belief is that Mbule, while experienced, could be more effective as a second-half option to reinforce midfield control if the game becomes stretched.

However, others feel Cameroon’s physicality demands experience and strength, warning against exposing young attackers too early. Some supporters argue Mbule’s presence offers balance and resilience, while Mofokeng should be eased in rather than thrown into a high-stakes knockout tie.

There is also debate out wide, with calls for Nkota to start ahead of Moremi, citing his explosiveness, strength, and proven impact in big games.

Up front, opinions are split between Foster’s relentless pressing and movement and Makgopa’s physical presence. Notably, Foster has been involved in more AFCON goals than any other CAF player during the group stage, strengthening the argument for his continued inclusion leading the line.

Defensively, Ngezana remains a lightning rod for criticism, with sections of fans pushing for changes at centre-back, while others urge continuity and trust in Broos’ judgment.

Despite the disagreements, optimism remains strong, with many backing Bafana to rise to the occasion if the right balance between creativity, pace, and physicality is found.

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⏱️ Fans’ Predicted South Africa Starting XI vs Cameroon

Williams
Mudau – Mbokazi – Ngezana – Modiba
Aubass – Mokoena
Mofokeng
Nkota – Appollis
Foster

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Cameroon Probable line-ups

Fabrice Ondoa Epassy; Malone Junior, Enzo Kotto, Nouhou Tolo; Jackson Tchamadeu, Olivier Ntcham Avom, Carlos Baleba, Nathan Ngoumou Namaso, Darlin Yongwa; Bryan Mbeumo, Frank Kofane.

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⏱️ Match Officials:

Referee

• Peter Waweru Kamaku (Kenya)

Assistant Referees

• Gilbert Kipkoech Cheruiyot (Kenya)

• Stephen Eleazar Onyango Yiembe (Kenya)

Fourth Official

• Jean-Jacques Ngambo Ndala (DR Congo)

VAR Team

• VAR: Daniel Nii Ayi Laryea (Ghana)

• Assistant VAR 1: Abdalaziz Yasir Ahmed Abdalaziz (Sudan)

• Assistant VAR 2: Haggag Hussam Azab Ibrahim (Egypt)

Referee Assessor

• Inacio Manuel Candido (Angola)

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⏱️ Welcome to our live coverage of South Africa vs Cameroon, as Bafana Bafana take on the Indomitable Lions in a high-stakes AFCON Round of 16 clash with a place in the quarter-finals on the line. Stay with us for minute-by-minute updates, team news, key moments and live score updates from Rabat.