South Africa vs Cameroon: Top five Indomitable Lions who can hurt Bafana in AFCON Last 16

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South Africa are set to play Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Last 16 outing that will be staged at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, January 4.

This will be a massive game for either nation as they push to make the quarter-final of the biennial competition. The Indomitable Lions haven’t beaten Bafana Bafana in the initial five meetings across all competitions.

Mzansi have two wins with the most recent three games between the sides ending in a draw. Ahead of this weekend’s meeting, have a look at five Cameroonians who can cause havoc.

Devis Epassy

Devis Epassy Cameroon

Epassy has been trusted between the goal posts, replacing Andre Onana, who was overlooked by the Indomitable Lions’ technical team. He has made four crucial saves so far in the three group games played and kept one clean sheet in the process.

He will be key in ensuring there is organisation at the back and that the Bafana Bafana attackers don’t get it easy in breaching the defense.

Carlos Baleba

The 21-year-old Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder has been one of the most positive players on the pitch. His commitment has seen Cameroon dominating the midfield against tough opponents.

Baleba’s influence has seen him get recognition by making the best XI in the CAF group stage. His ability to initiate attacks makes him a danger for Bafana Bafana at any given a time.

Karl Etta Eyong

Karl Etta Eyong Cameroon

The Levante winger has been doing quite well for the 2017 winners, so far playing three games, but two as a sub. That does not water down the impact of the attacker who has scored a goal so far.

His pace and dribbling skills might come in handy against Hugo Broos’ men. Eyong has to be marked well, with supply of ball to him limited. He is definitely keen on making amends after a big miss in the win over Mozambique.

Christian Kofane

If there is anyone who had doubts about the Bayer Leverkusen teenager, then he has no more reasons to do so after the youngster scored a beauty in the 2-1 win over Mozambique in the final group game.

He was determined to get past his man and gave the technical team some food for thought ahead of the Round of 16 fixture this weekend.

Bryan Mbeumo

Bryan Mbeumo, Cameroun

The 26-year-old Manchester United winger is one of the superstars in this edition of AFCON. Mbeumo has been doing well in the final third but has managed a single assist so far.

Mbeumo should be tamed by Bafana Bafana defenders, and stopped from cutting in from the left as he usually does.

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Willis Sob

Author

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.