Cameroon booked their place in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after overcoming South Africa in a round-of-16 clash that was far more tense than it initially appeared. For long spells, the Indomitable Lions looked the superior side, controlling the game and converting their dominance into goals.

However, a late concession turned a comfortable evening into a nerve-shredding finale. South Africa struck in the closing minutes, injecting sudden belief and forcing Cameroon to dig deep under intense pressure. Despite the late wobble, the five-time African champions held their composure and ultimately saw the game out to secure a deserved victory.

The win sends Cameroon into the quarter-finals — but the challenge ahead is of an entirely different magnitude. Waiting next are Morocco, arguably the most complete and in-form side remaining in the tournament.

2025 Africa Cup of Nations

RSA - Cameroon 1:2 (0:1)
Goals: Tchamadeu, 34 (0:1); Kofane, 47 (0:2); Makgopa, 88 (1:2)

RSA: Williams Ro.; Mbokazi; Kabini (Modiba, 63); Sibisi (Moremi, 83); Mudau; Ngezana; Aubaas; Mokoena; Appollis (Makgopa, 63); Mofokeng (Mbule, 75); Foster L.
Substitution: Modiba (from 63); Makgopa (from 63); Mbule (from 75); Moremi (from 83)
Bench: Chaine; Goss; Smith T.; Ndamane; Matuludi; Mbatha; Sithole; Nkota; Mokwana; Campbell S.
Yellow Cards: Ngezana 32; Sibisi 59; Modiba 65; Mokoena 72; Foster L. 83

Cameroon: Epassy; Tchamadeu; Che Malone; Tolo; Yongwa (Nagida, 21; Wooh C., 79); Kotto; Baleba (Boyomo, 90); Avon; Mbeumo; Namaso (Kemen, 79); Kofane (Soko, 90)
Substitution: Nagida (from 21 till 79); Wooh C. (from 79); Kemen (from 79); Boyomo (from 90); Soko (from 90)
Bench: Omossola; Ngapandouetnbu; Nyamsi; Onana J.; Maël Kamdem; Nkoudou; Bassogog; Eyong; Dina Ebimbe; Magri
Yellow Cards: Tolo 2; Baleba 87