The Cameroon national football team ended a long wait against South Africa with a gritty 2-1 victory, booking their place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The result snapped a seven-game winless head-to-head run and underlined Cameroon’s reputation as tournament specialists.
Fast Start from Bafana Bafana
South Africa began with confidence and purpose, unsettling Cameroon’s defence early on. Relebohile Mofokeng had a golden opportunity after capitalising on slack defending, but his composure deserted him at the crucial moment as he fired over the bar. Moments later, Lyle Foster thought he had given Bafana Bafana the lead, only for VAR to confirm he was clearly offside.
For Kenyan fans watching, it was a reminder of how fine the margins are at AFCON—early dominance means little without clinical finishing.
Tchamadeu Breaks the Deadlock
Cameroon struggled to impose themselves in attack for much of the first half, often lacking the final pass. However, persistence paid off in the 34th minute. A poorly cleared corner led to chaos in the South African box, and Junior Tchamadeu reacted quickest, calmly curling home his first-ever international goal to give the Indomitable Lions the lead.
That moment shifted the momentum firmly in Cameroon’s favour.
Lightning Start After the Break
The second half could not have started better for Cameroon. Just two minutes after the restart, Aboubakar Nagida delivered a dangerous cross from the left, and Christian Kofane rose superbly to head home from a tight angle, doubling Cameroon’s advantage and silencing the South African supporters.
At 2-0 down, Bafana Bafana were left chasing the game.
Epassy Stands Tall Under Pressure
South Africa responded with urgency, throwing men forward in search of a comeback. Goalkeeper Devis Epassy produced a string of outstanding saves, most notably denying Samukele Kabini from close range before brilliantly tipping Teboho Mokoena’s powerful free-kick around the post.
His commanding display proved decisive as Cameroon absorbed wave after wave of pressure.
Late Drama, But Cameroon Hold Firm
The pressure finally told in the 88th minute when Evidence Makgopa pulled one back from close range, setting up a tense finale. South Africa pushed hard during stoppage time, but Cameroon defended resolutely to see out the match and secure yet another narrow AFCON victory.
This win marked Cameroon’s third one-goal victory in four matches at the tournament—proof of their resilience and game management.
What This Means Going Forward
For Cameroon, this result reinforces their status as serious AFCON contenders, especially with their ability to grind out results in tight matches. South Africa exited with pride, having shown attacking intent but lacking the cutting edge needed at this level.
Kenyan football fans will recognise the value of experience and composure in knockout football—qualities Cameroon displayed when it mattered most.
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