Rabat, Morocco – Bafana Bafana return to knockout football on Sunday night when they take on Cameroon in the Round of 16 at the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations, with a quarterfinal place at stake in Rabat, Morocco.
South Africa and Cameroon meet at the compact Al Medina Stadium at 20:00 CAT in what will be only their second encounter at AFCON finals. The first came in 1996 when a then newly readmitted South African side beat Cameroon 3–0 in Johannesburg, a result that set Bafana Bafana on course to lift their only continental title.
The match brings together two nations with contrasting journeys to the last 16. South Africa finished second in their group on six points, one behind Egypt, after wins over Angola and Zimbabwe and a narrow loss to the Pharaohs. Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster were central to Bafana’s progress, while captain Ronwen Williams continued to anchor the side from goal.
Cameroon arrived in the knockout stages after finishing level on seven points with Ivory Coast, only missing out on top spot on goals scored. The Indomitable Lions opened with a 1–0 win over Gabon, drew with the Ivorians and edged Mozambique 2–1 in their final group match.
Across all competitions, the two sides have met nine times. South Africa have won three matches, Cameroon one, while five have ended level. The last three encounters were all draws, suggesting another tight contest under the Rabat lights.
The tie carries personal meaning for South Africa coach Hugo Broos, who guided Cameroon to their fifth AFCON title in 2017. His assistant, Helman Mkhalele, was part of the squad that beat Cameroon in the 1996 opening match. Broos said the emotional connection would not soften his approach, as his focus remains on taking Bafana further than their previous AFCON campaign.
Midfielder Teboho Mokoena said the message in the South African camp has been clear, with players targeting improvement on past performances and embracing the challenge posed by the five time champions.
Cameroon head coach David Pagou, appointed shortly before the tournament after Marc Brys was dismissed, described his team as a work in progress but confident in their collective strength. Player Samuel Kotto said representing Cameroon at AFCON was a source of pride, pointing to the unity within the squad.
Key players to watch include Foster, who has already delivered a crucial goal for South Africa, and Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo, who entered the tournament as Cameroon’s leading attacking threat. Carlos Baleba has also impressed for the West Africans despite his limited experience at major tournaments.
South Africa are expected to start with Williams in goal, supported by a backline that includes Khuliso Mudau and Aubrey Modiba, while Cameroon may have concerns over captain Nouhou Tolo, who is nursing a hamstring injury.
The winner of Sunday’s encounter will advance to the quarterfinals to face either tournament hosts Morocco or Tanzania on January 9, also in Rabat, keeping alive hopes of continental glory for one of Africa’s traditional heavyweights.
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