What was the difference between South Africa and Cameroon at AFCON?

13-01-2026



As the anticipation for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 in Morocco built, South African football fans were holding their breath. After a series of promising performances in the lead-up to the tournament, several crucial questions lingered.

Fans wondered: could Bafana Bafana replicate the success of 1996?

South Africa’s pre-tournament performances

In the World Cup qualifiers shortly before AFCON 2025, South Africa showed promise. Hugo Broos’ team drew 1-1 with Nigeria, one of the favourites ahead of AFCON 2025, after beating Lesotho 3-0. Then October saw a 0-0 draw with Zimbabwe and a 3-0 defeat of Rwanda.

With the squad gaining momentum, fans were filled with hope and excitement. Players like Lyle Foster, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and Oswin Appollis offered hope for this tournament but also many years ahead. The squad seemed to have a promising mix of experience and youth.

The games leading up to the tournament showed South Africa could dominate games, keep clean sheets, and score goals – in other words, they looked serious competitors.

Competitive group

AFCON 2025 shaped up to be highly competitive, with traditional powerhouses such as Egypt, Nigeria, and Algeria also aiming to reach the final and lift the continent’s most coveted trophy. South Africa didn’t have the easiest group, with Egypt, Angola, and Zimbabwe their opponents.

Broos’ side got off to a solid start, beating Angola 2-1. Foster both scored and assisted. The Burnley striker was perhaps South Africa’s brightest player of the tournament.

The second game, a loss to Egypt, was more difficult – despite Mohamed Hany’s sending off for a second yellow. Mohamed Salah, as some might have expected, was the only name on the scoresheet as he converted a penalty in the 45th minute.

South Africa’s prospects looked brighter after a 3-2 win against Zimbabwe, although that game was far from straightforward. Having taken the lead twice, South Africa conceded two equalisers – the second an own goal from Aubrey Modiba. But Oswin Appollis’ penalty in the 82nd minute meant South Africa progressed through the group.

Knockout stage

South Africa met Cameroon in the round of 16. That was one test too many, with goals from Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane sending Cameroon through to the quarter finals. Although Evidence Makgopa pulled one back, it was too late for a comeback – even if Makgopa was close to a second deep into injury time. The Indomitable Lions had the advantage of many more fans in the stadium, but South Africa hoped to cause an upset.

Having played a back four during the group stage, Broos decided against matching Cameroon’s three-man defence. The temptation is often there for coaches to switch formations, with the battle of the wingbacks often a key part of a tactical match up. The opening 20 minutes vindicated Broos’ decision, with South Africa on top and attacking far more than Cameroon. But then the tide turned. In the end, it was about which side took their chances.

Foster said perhaps the team were a bit unlucky. He emphasised the need to regroup and review the game. The striker said everybody was disappointed.

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Where do South Africa go from here?

As excitement built for AFCON 2025, South Africa stood at a crucial juncture. Given their recent form and performance evolution, there was a belief that they could compete and potentially reach the final. The combination of young talent, experienced players, and Broos’ coaching was promising.

In the end, they fell against one of the most talented sides in the continent. Carlos Baleba was a particular standout, with the Brighton and Hove Albion midfielder walking away with the player of the match award, amid much speculation around his future and a possible move to Manchester United.

South Africa dominated possession in the game, with 66%, and took 18 shots to Cameroon’s 10. The expected goals (xG) was 1.95 to 1.56, backing up Foster’s point about taking chances. As is so often the case in football, finishing was the difference, with Christian Kofane’s header a fitting way to decide a game.

Broos’ future is unclear. The coach had made disparaging remarks about AFCON’s organisation and the hosts Morocco. Following South Africa’s exit, the country’s Minister of Sports, said he was angry with the coach. He argued that the 2025 edition was the best AFCON had ever been organised.

It has been argued that Broos didn’t have any players of the quality of Baleba or Bryan Mbuemo and that he shouldn’t be blamed for the loss. Cameroon had extra motivation after Broos had left them 10 months after winning AFCON 2017.