Cameroon coach reveals tactical plan that nullified Mbokazi

Cameroon coach David Pagou has revealed the tactician instructions he issued to his players to contain Bafana Bafana defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi.

Mbokazi has been one of the impressive players for Bafana Bafana at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations but he could not prevent the Indomitable Lions from securing a 2-1 win in the Round of 16 to advance to the quarter-final on Sunday.

Speaking after the game in Rabat, Pagou admitted he had a plan for the outgoing Orlando Pirates defender as he knew getting the better of him would give his side a chance of winning the game.

“He is a great player. I told my attackers to be careful because he jumps very well so apply pressure and do not let him play,” Pagou said. “He is a great player, the whole team of South Africa has good players.”

Mbokazi enjoyed good AFCON campaign

South Africa, who played in a three-man defence that had Siyabonga Ngezana, Mbokazi and Nkosinathi Sibisi, started well and had three chances to score through Lyle Foster, Relebohile Mofokeng and Samukelo Kabini inside eight minutes but missed.

Junior Tchamadeu would break the deadlock in the 34^th minute before Christian Kofane made it 2-0 two minutes after the break and while Evidence Makgopa pulled one back in the 88^th minute, it was too little too late.

Mbokazi came into the tournament with his stock high and was among the South African players who covered themselves in glory in Morocco and he heads to Chicago Fire after a good experience from what was his first AFCON.