Bafana Bafana’s AFCON 2025 dream shattered by Cameroon despite late fightback

Published on by

Bafana Bafana’s AFCON 2025 dream shattered by Cameroon despite late fightback

Bafana Bafana crashed out of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations following a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon in the Round of 16 in Rabat on Sunday.

Two defensive mistakes proved costly for Hugo Broos’ men with Cameroon scoring in the first half and the second goal just after halftime.

Hugo Broos sprung up a tactical surprise when he went with a back three in an effort to mirror Cameroon with Samukelo Kabini, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Bathusi Aubaas and Relebohile Mofokeng getting their first starts at the tournament.

It appeared to be a great decision in the early exchanges as Bafana Bafana bossed the Indomitable Lions and had three great chances to break the deadlock inside eight minutes.

After just three minutes, Lyle Foster came close with a header from Oswin Appollis’ freekick after Teboho Mokoena had been fouled but the Burnley striker’s effort fly past the top left corner.

Mofokeng squanders Bafana’s best chance

In the seventh minute, Mofokeng was played in as he got in behind the Cameroon defence but the Orlando Pirates winger failed to get a good connection on the ball as he fired over against a challenge from two defenders.

That was Bafana’s first real opportunity of the first half but a minute later, Kabini failed to connect well with a good ball floated into the box as the chance went begging.

In the 14th minute, South Africa thought they had scored when Foster slotted home against the run of play but the goal was chopped off for offside after a brief VAR check.

After this, Cameroon started getting a foothold into the game and they were celebrating a goal minutes later.

From a 33rd minute corner for Cameroon, Bafana Bafana did not defend well with Foster heading the ball out but it fell to an Indomitable Lions player who struck it first time.

Cameroon kill off South Africa

The ball deflected off Sibisi but fell to an unmarked Junior Tchamadeu, who reacted quickly to score. A VAR check over a possible offside confirmed the goal as Bafana Bafana conceded for a fourth straight match at AFCON 2025.

Both sides went to the break with Cameroon carrying the momentum and immediately after restart, South Africa’s job was made even more difficult when they conceded a second goal.

Oswin Appolis playing for Bafana against Cameroon at AFCON 2025. Photo – SAFA

The Indomitable Lions carved Bafana Bafana open and Mbekezeli Mbokazi saved a goal-bound ball with his outstretched leg. Broos’ men cleared the corner but immediately after, Cameroon’s Mahamadou Nagida floated in a great ball which was headed in for 2-0 by Christian Kofane after getting the better of Kabini.

From this point, Bafana Bafana had no answer as Cameroon bossed the encounter although Foster would force a good save from goalkeeper Davies Epassy in the 62nd minute from close range before Broos brought on Evidence Makgopa and Aubrey Modiba for Kabini and Appollis.

In the 68th minute, Teboho Mokoena also drew a good save from Epassy following a well-taken freekick, leading to a corner but it is from it that South Africa almost conceded a third.

Relebohile Mofokeng during AFCON 2025 match against Cameroon. Photo – SAFA

Broos’ late changes fail to pay off

Bryan Mbeumo received the ball and put on the afterburners but from his pass, Ronwen Williams pulled off a good save to keep the scores at 2-0.

Bafana Bafana huffed and puffed with even the introduction of Sipho Mbule and Tshepang Moremi not getting a tune out of Broos’ side, until the 87th minute when Makgopa gave them some hope.

From a good ball from Modiba, Magkopa showed a poacher’s instinct to direct home from close range for 2-1 to force an anxious finish for Cameroon.

Christian Kofane of Cameroon celebrates his goal against Bafana Bafana at AFCON 2025.

Cameroon, however, bossed the late proceedings with Carlos Baleba and Arthur Avom doing well in the midfield to break down South Africa’s attacks as Bafana Bafana crashed out of the tournament earlier than they had expected.

Broos came into the tournament hoping to reach at least the semi-final, having finished third at AFCON 2023, but leave after a Round of 16 elimination, having won two matches out of four. 

<!-- Author Start -->Joel Oliver<!-- Author End -->

Joel Oliver

Author

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.

You May Also Like