Bafana Bafana Strong Favourites in Head-to-Head vs Cameroon
South Africa and Cameroon meet in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16 for the first time this century, renewing a historic rivalry at the tournament. It will be only their second AFCON meeting overall, following South Africa’s memorable 3–0 victory as hosts in the opening match of the 1996 finals — a result that set Bafana Bafana on course for their maiden continental title.
Overall, the two sides have faced each other nine times. South Africa hold the upper hand with three wins, while Cameroon have just one victory, and five matches have ended in draws. Notably, Cameroon have never beaten South Africa in a competitive fixture.
South Africa have been unbeaten against Cameroon since July 1992, a run spanning seven matches (two wins and five draws). The last three encounters — including a friendly in 2015 and both matches during 2017 AFCON qualification — all ended level. The most recent win in this fixture was a 3–2 South African friendly victory in 2008.
Goals have rarely been an issue for Bafana Bafana in this matchup, as they have scored in eight of the nine meetings between the sides. South Africa have also kept three clean sheets against the Indomitable Lions, compared to Cameroon’s one.
Current South Africa head coach Hugo Broos adds an intriguing subplot, having previously coached Cameroon between 2016 and 2017, leading them to AFCON glory in 2017. During that period, the teams met twice in qualification for the same tournament, drawing 2–2 in Limbe and 0–0 in Durban — results that ultimately helped Cameroon qualify ahead of South Africa.
Both nations enter the knockout stage as former African champions with contrasting styles: South Africa favour possession and fluid passing, while Cameroon rely on physical strength and tournament experience. With a place in the quarter-finals at stake, history suggests a closely fought encounter once again.