Missed Chances Cost Bafana as Cameroon Knock South Africa Out of AFCON
Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign came to an end on Sunday night as Cameroon edged South Africa 2–1 in a gripping Round of 16 encounter, punishing missed chances to book their place in the quarter-finals.
South Africa dominated long spells, controlled possession, and created the better opportunities — but a lack of clinical finishing proved decisive against a ruthless Cameroonian side that made the most of their moments.
First Half: Bafana On Top, Cameroon Strike First
South Africa began the match brightly, pressing high and moving the ball with confidence. Relebohile Mofokeng, Oswin Appollis, and Lyle Foster were lively early on, repeatedly probing the Cameroonian defence.
Foster came close inside the opening minutes with a header that drifted just over, while Mofokeng fired narrowly wide from close range. The warning signs were there — and Bafana looked in control.
That control was nearly rewarded in the 14th minute when Foster put the ball in the net, only for the assistant referee’s flag to go up for offside. A VAR review confirmed the decision, denying South Africa a deserved opener.
Despite South Africa enjoying over 60% possession in the first half, Cameroon gradually grew into the game. Their physical presence and set-piece threat began to tell, and in the 34th minute, the breakthrough arrived.
From a corner conceded by Mbokazi, Junior Tchamadeu reacted quickest inside the box, firing a low right-footed shot past Ronwen Williams to give Cameroon a 1–0 lead against the run of play.
South Africa pushed hard for an equaliser before the break, winning multiple corners and free kicks, but efforts from Aubaas and others went begging. At half-time, Bafana trailed despite being the better side.
Second Half: Cameroon Clinical, Bafana Chase the Game
The second half began with urgency from South Africa — but just minutes after the restart, they were punished again.
In the 47th minute, Cameroon doubled their lead when Christian Kofane rose highest to head home a cross from Aboubakar Nagida, making it 2–0 and leaving Bafana with a mountain to climb.
Hugo Broos responded by introducing fresh legs, bringing on Makgopa, Modiba, Mbule, and Moremi as South Africa threw numbers forward. Chances followed.
Mokoena tested Epassy from distance, Mbokazi fired narrowly wide, and Appollis had efforts blocked as the pressure mounted. Cameroon, meanwhile, threatened on the counter and forced Ronwen Williams into key saves to keep the tie alive.
Late Drama: Makgopa Pulls One Back
Persistence finally paid off in the 88th minute. A dangerous cross from Aubrey Modiba caused chaos in the Cameroonian box, and Evidence Makgopa reacted sharply to stab the ball home from close range, reducing the deficit to 2–1 and igniting hope.
South Africa pushed desperately during five minutes of added time, winning late corners and free kicks, but Cameroon held firm to see out the result.
Verdict: Missed Chances, Hard Lessons
Bafana Bafana played well, dominated possession, and created enough chances to win, but football at this level is unforgiving. Against a more experienced and clinical opponent, missed opportunities come at a heavy price.
Cameroon advance to face Morocco in the quarter-finals this Friday, while South Africa exit with pride but clear lessons.
For Bafana, attention now turns to the World Cup in June, where the positives from this AFCON — youthful energy, tactical growth, and attacking intent — will be crucial building blocks.
South Africa 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