Carlos Baleba delivered a commanding midfield performance as Cameroon edged South Africa 2–1 to reach the AFCON 2025 quarter-finals in Rabat.
His energy, composure on the ball, and work without possession helped steady the Indomitable Lions during long spells of Bafana Bafana pressure, earning him the Man of the Match award.
For half an hour, South Africa dictated the tempo with aggressive pressing and vertical attacks, repeatedly testing the Cameroonian back line. Cameroon held on, relying on defensive discipline and key interventions from behind Baleba as they absorbed wave after wave of attacks.
The match turned just after the half-hour mark when Cameroon struck clinically against the run of play to seize control. Buoyed by that breakthrough, the Lions quickly added a second, punishing South Africa’s missed chances and briefly silencing their momentum.
South Africa refused to fold, pulling a late goal back to set up a tense finale in Rabat. Cameroon were again forced deep, but Baleba’s calm circulation and timing in challenges helped his side see out the closing minutes and protect the 2–1 scoreline.
With this win, Cameroon move on to face Morocco in the quarter-finals, carrying confidence from a gritty display and Baleba’s standout showing at the heart of midfield.
