AFCON 2025: Cameroon eliminate South Africa after 2-1 victory to set up quarter-final date with Morocco

Cameroon are through to the quarter-final stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after beating South Africa 2-1 in their Round of 16 tie on Sunday night.

In the game played at Al Medina Stadium, the Indomitable Lions broke the deadlock in the 34th minute when Junior Tchamadeu reacted quickest inside the box, tapping home from close range after a rebound fell invitingly into his path.

Load it. Shoot and score. 🇨🇲#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WeCelebrateDifferent pic.twitter.com/hIg3eTnOvm

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 4, 2026

Celebrations were briefly halted as referee Peter Waweru signalled for a VAR review to check a possible offside in the build-up, but the decision stood, and the goal was confirmed.

Cameroon picked up where they left off after the break, doubling their advantage just two minutes into the second half. Christian Kofane showed great bravery as he hurled himself onto a cross from Mahamadou Nagida, powering a close-range header into the bottom right corner and leaving South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams with no chance.

Take off. Header. Net. 🇨🇲#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WePlayDifferent pic.twitter.com/BChwuy3FeS

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 4, 2026

South Africa pushed for a response in the closing stages and managed to pull one back in the 88th minute. Aubrey Modiba provided the assist, slipping the ball through to Evidence Makgopa, who calmly guided his finish home from close range to make it 2-1.

Despite late pressure from Bafana Bafana, Cameroon held firm to seal victory and advance to the quarter-finals, where they will now face hosts Morocco in a highly anticipated showdown.

Full-time scenes. The Indomitable Lions. 🦁🇨🇲#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WeCelebrateDifferent pic.twitter.com/5b27VkSzzl

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) January 4, 2026