Bafana and Cameroon Set for Heavyweight AFCON Tie
South Africa’s Africa Cup of Nations knockout opponents have been confirmed, with Bafana Bafana set to face the Cameroon in the Round of 16 after the completion of the final Group F matches on Wednesday night.
Cameroon secured second place in Group F following a 2–1 victory over Mozambique, while holders Ivory Coast finished top of the group. The outcome means South Africa, who ended Group B as runners-up, will now come up against the Indomitable Lions in a heavyweight last-16 clash in Rabat.
Group F proved one of the tightest sections of the tournament. Ivory Coast completed the group unbeaten with seven points, edging Cameroon on goal difference. Cameroon also finished on seven points after two wins and a draw, while Mozambique ended third on three points. Gabon finished bottom after losing all three of their matches.
There was added intrigue in Cameroon’s win over Mozambique, with the head coach withdrawing several key players at halftime. The move appeared calculated, ensuring his side preserved energy and attacking options ahead of the knockout phase, particularly with a demanding encounter against South Africa looming.
Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos had earlier warned that his side would need to raise their level significantly in the knockout rounds. Despite progressing with two wins from three matches, Broos has been critical of South Africa’s game management and physical intensity, concerns that will be sharply tested against a seasoned Cameroonian side renowned for their power and tournament pedigree.
The South Africa–Cameroon meeting will take place at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat on 4 January 2026, with kick-off scheduled for 20:00. It is one of several high-profile fixtures that make up a compelling Round of 16 schedule across Morocco.
The knockout phase begins on 3 January 2026, when Senegal face Sudan at Tangier Grand Stadium in Tangier at 17:00, followed later that evening by Mali against Tunisia at Mohammed V Stadium in Casablanca. On 4 January, Morocco take on Tanzania at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat before South Africa meet Cameroon in the late match at Al Medina Stadium.
Action continues on 5 January with Egypt facing Benin at Adrar Stadium in Agadir in the afternoon, before Nigeria come up against Mozambique at Fez Stadium in the evening. The Round of 16 concludes on 6 January, with Algeria playing DR Congo at Moulay Hassan Stadium in Rabat, and Ivory Coast closing out the phase against Burkina Faso at Marrakesh Stadium.
For South Africa, the path forward is now clear but unforgiving. Standing between Bafana Bafana and a place in the quarter-finals are the Indomitable Lions — a side rested, battle-hardened, and fully aware of what it takes to go deep at the Africa Cup of Nations.
AFCON 2025 – Round of 16
| Date | Time | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 Jan | 17:00 | 🇸🇳 Senegal vs 🇸🇩 Sudan | Tangier |
| 3 Jan | 20:00 | 🇲🇱 Mali vs 🇹🇳 Tunisia | Casablanca |
| 4 Jan | 17:00 | 🇲🇦 Morocco vs 🇹🇿 Tanzania | Rabat |
| 4 Jan | 20:00 | 🇿🇦 South Africa vs 🇨🇲 Cameroon | Rabat |
| 5 Jan | 17:00 | 🇪🇬 Egypt vs 🇧🇯 Benin | Agadir |
| 5 Jan | 20:00 | 🇳🇬 Nigeria vs 🇲🇿 Mozambique | Fez |
| 6 Jan | 17:00 | 🇩🇿 Algeria vs 🇨🇩 DR Congo | Rabat |
| 6 Jan | 20:00 | 🇨🇮 Ivory Coast vs 🇧🇫 Burkina Faso | Marrakesh |