Bafana Bafana’s AFCON dream ends after narrow defeat to Cameroon

Cameroon knocks out South Africa from AFCON 2025

South Africa’s quest for a second Africa Cup of Nations title came to a disappointing end on Sunday night after Bafana Bafana were eliminated from the 2025 Afcon following a 2–1 loss to Cameroon in a last-16 encounter played in Rabat.

Still chasing their first continental crown since lifting the trophy on home soil in 1996, Bafana entered the knockout clash with confidence, having built momentum earlier in the tournament.

However, that optimism quickly gave way to frustration as missed chances and lapses in concentration proved costly against a clinical and experienced Cameroonian side.

South Africa started the match brightly and appeared in control during the opening exchanges, dominating possession and unsettling the Indomitable Lions with sharp, quick-passing movements.

Within the first 10 minutes alone, Bafana created three clear scoring opportunities that could have changed the complexion of the game.

Lyle Foster, Relebohile Mofokeng and Samukele Kabini all found themselves in promising positions but failed to convert, either misjudging their efforts or finding no way past the Cameroonian defence.

Those early misses came back to haunt Hugo Broos’ men as Cameroon gradually grew into the contest, absorbing pressure before striking with purpose.

Once the Indomitable Lions found their rhythm, they showed why they remain one of Africa’s most feared tournament teams, punishing South Africa’s wastefulness with decisive moments in front of goal.

Despite Bafana Bafana’s attempts to claw their way back into the match, Cameroon remained composed and tactically disciplined, managing the game expertly as South Africa struggled to rediscover the urgency and fluency they displayed early on.

The final whistle confirmed a painful exit for South Africa, who once again fell short of ending their long Afcon title drought.

The defeat marks an abrupt end to Bafana Bafana’s 2025 Afcon campaign and extends their wait for continental glory to nearly three decades.

For Cameroon, the victory sees the Indomitable Lions advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face hosts Morocco in Rabat on Friday in what promises to be one of the tournament’s standout fixtures, given both teams’ strong form so far.