South Africa’s senior national football team, Bafana Bafana, has fallen short at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, with Cameroon winning their clash to reach the Quarterfinals.

Long dominated by an enterprising Bafana Bafana on Sunday evening, the Indomitable Lions relied on their efficiency and composure to claim a 2–1 win in Rabat.

For the first 30 minutes, South Africa set the tempo. High pressing, vertical play, clear chances: Cameroon bent but did not break. Then, in a match waiting for a turning point, Junior Tchamadeu appeared in the 34th minute. One shot, one goal, and suddenly the game shifted.

Revitalised, the Cameroonians took control. Immediately after the break, Christian Kofane struck in the 47th minute, doubling the lead with a composed diving header. The blow was harsh for Bafana Bafana but typical of knockout football.

South Africa never gave up. Makgopa reignited hope in the 88th minute, and Rabat held its breath. Devis Epassy was tested but held firm… and Cameroon survived. Solid, organised, and sometimes on the edge, the Lions resisted until the final whistle, much to the delight of head coach David Pagou.

“We are of course excited with the result. We have had quite a hectic assignment, which we have successfully completed. We are striving to improve and collectively working together in progressing the team. We are keeping a positive state of mind, and that is playing a key role in our team,” said Pagou.

The Indomitable Lions will face Morocco on Friday at the Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.

It’s the end of the road for the South Africans, and head coach Hugo Broos is gutted.

“That’s the way life is. Our team did not deserve to lose tonight; this is not the result we came for, but we have to acknowledge that it is what it is. We will now focus on preparing for our future objectives, with the World Cup in our sights.”

Additional reporting by CafOnline.com