Three Tactical Calls That Cost South Africa Against Cameroon
South Africa’s AFCON journey ended in frustration after a 2–1 Round of 16 defeat to Cameroon, and post-match analysis from respected local voices pointed to tactical hesitation, missed opportunities, and questionable in-game management as decisive factors.
Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi believes Bafana failed to build on promising first-half patterns. Speaking after the match, he argued that South Africa created openings down the left channel but lacked composure and aggression to punish a Cameroonian defence that picked up early bookings. In his view, earlier substitutions—possibly at half-time—could have tilted the contest.
Mngqithi suggested reshaping the back line once centre-backs were cautioned, pushing Khuliso Mudau inside and introducing pace out wide to directly attack Nouhou Tolo, who was on a yellow card. That adjustment, he felt, would have stretched Cameroon laterally and opened central pockets for runners like Relebohile Mofokeng to exploit—spaces that went unused as the game drifted away.
Former Bafana winger Junior Khanye questioned the timing and volume of changes made by Hugo Broos. While accepting that rotation is part of tournament football, Khanye argued that throwing players into a knockout match without sufficient group-stage minutes hurt their confidence. He was particularly critical of withdrawing Oswin Appollis, Bafana’s standout performer on the night, insisting momentum was lost with that call.
Club and country legend Doctor Khumalo focused on structure. He acknowledged Broos’ intention to neutralise Cameroon’s threat but felt the three centre-back system became rigid. With Cameroon often attacking through a single reference point, Khumalo said South Africa needed a clearer Plan B—adjusting shape earlier to add attacking numbers and vary their approach.
Expert Verdict: Where Bafana Bafana Fell Short Against Cameroon
In the end, Bafana Bafana created chances and controlled spells, but as the experts agree, decisive tweaks—earlier subs, bolder use of width, and exploiting booked opponents—might have changed the outcome. Instead, Cameroon were clinical, and South Africa were left to rue what might have been.