South Africa are set to reignite their rivalry with Cameroon when the two nations collide in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Rabat.
While Cameroon arrive with the reputation of five-time continental champions, Bafana Bafana have several quiet advantages that suggest this knockout tie may be far closer — and more dangerous for the Indomitable Lions — than many expect.
Here are three key reasons Cameroon should be wary.
History favours South Africa more than expected
Despite Cameroon’s heavyweight status, the head-to-head record paints a surprisingly positive picture for South Africa.
This will be the 10th meeting between the two sides, and Bafana Bafana have lost just once in the previous nine encounters. South Africa have recorded three wins, while five matches ended in draws — an encouraging return against one of Africa’s traditional powerhouses.
Notably, their most famous competitive meeting came at AFCON 1996, when South Africa stormed to a 3–0 victory on home soil. Subsequent AFCON qualifiers in 2016 also ended level (2–2 and 0–0), underlining how difficult Cameroon have historically found it to dominate this fixture.
For a knockout match, that psychological edge matters.
Hugo Broos’ inside knowledge and stability
Another major factor tilting the scales is the man on the Bafana bench: Hugo Broos.
Broos is not only one of the longest-serving coaches at AFCON 2025 — in charge of South Africa since May 2021 — but he also knows Cameroon intimately. The Belgian famously guided the Indomitable Lions to their last AFCON triumph in 2017, lifting the trophy with a youthful, underestimated squad.
That history gives Broos a unique tactical and cultural understanding of Cameroon football, while also providing personal motivation to outsmart his former employers.
By contrast, Cameroon arrive in Morocco with uncertainty on the touchline, having appointed David Pagou only weeks before the tournament. In a high-pressure knockout setting, continuity and familiarity can be decisive.
Experience vs transition
Experience often separates progress from elimination at AFCON — and this is an area where South Africa quietly hold the upper hand.
From the Bafana Bafana squad that claimed bronze at AFCON 2023, nine players are back in Morocco. Key figures such as Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Aubrey Modiba, Teboho Mokoena and Evidence Makgopa have all started big AFCON matches before and understand the demands of knockout football.
Cameroon, on the other hand, are in something of a transition phase. Only Frank Magri, Nouhou Tolo and Christopher Wooh remain from the squad eliminated at the Round of 16 in AFCON 2023. Christian Bassogog is the sole survivor from the 2017 title-winning team.
That blend of youth and inexperience may offer energy — but it also brings vulnerability against a settled, battle-hardened Bafana side.