Bafana Bafana starting XI vs Cameroon: Tactical surprise from Broos as he makes four changes

Published on 4 Jan 2026 at 20:10 by Joel Oliver

Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos has opted for a three-man defence against Cameroon as his team faces the five-time African champions in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.

South Africa take on Cameroon in what is a tough knockout match in Rabat on Sunday, with the winner set to face hosts and tournament favourites Morocco, in the quarter-final.

Broos has therefore opted to mirror Cameroon’s three-man defence, having opted for a 3-4-3 formation with four changes made to the squad that beat Zimbabwe 3-2 in their final group stage game.

Who makes the Bafana Bafana XI?

Bafana Bafana starting 11 vs Cameroon

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Broos has therefore started with Siyabonga Ngezana, Mbekezeli Mbokazi with Nkosinathi Sibisi completing the three-man defence as he gets his first start at AFCON 2025.

Meanwhile, in midfield, Teboho Mokoena will partner Bathusi Aubaas, who starts ahead of Sphephelo Sithole, while Relebohile Mofokeng gets his first start at the tournament in a front three that also has Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis, who both have two goals each at AFCON 2025.

Joel Oliver

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Joel Oliver is a seasoned multimedia sports journalist with a rich background in covering diverse football stories and events in South Africa and beyond.
His extensive coverage spans subjects touching on the PSL, with a focus on the Big Three (Orlando Pirates, Kaizer Chiefs & Mamelodi Sundowns), Bafana Bafana and Banyana Banyana.