Cameroon end Bafana Bafana AFCON dream

Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations journey came to a disappointing end on Sunday night as Cameroon edged them 2–1 in a round of 16 clash at the Agdal Medina Stadium. 

Defined by missed chances, defensive lapses and ruthless punishment from the five-time champions, the match saw Bafana bundled out of the showpiece. 

Hugo Broos rang the changes for the knockout encounter, making four alterations to the side that progressed from the group stages and tweaking his formation in an effort to cope with Cameroon’s physical profile while retaining South Africa’s ball-playing identity. 

The stakes were high, the margins slim, and Bafana began with an intensity that suggested belief.

South Africa started like a side determined to take control. Inside the opening 15 minutes, they carved out three gilt-edged opportunities that should have altered the course of the contest. 

Relebohile Mofokeng found space between the lines but blazed over, Lyle Foster headed wide from a set-piece, and Samukelo Kabini arrived unmarked at the back post only to send his effort over the crossbar.

Those missed chances proved decisive. Cameroon, initially content to soak up pressure, gradually settled and began asserting themselves through second balls and set-pieces. 

Their breakthrough arrived in the 34th minute when Bafana failed to deal with the second phase of a corner. A deflected effort fell kindly into the path of Junior Tchamadeu, who showed composure to slot past Ronwen Williams from close range.

The goal shifted momentum. Cameroon grew in confidence and game management, while South Africa’s early fluency faded. 

The Indomitable Lions headed into the break with their advantage intact, watched on by federation president Samuel Eto’o in the stands.

Any hopes of a swift response were dashed almost immediately after the restart. Just two minutes into the second half, Cameroon doubled their lead. 

Poor defensive organisation allowed centre forward Christian Kofane to rise highest in the box and guide a header past Williams, leaving Bafana with a mountain to climb.

Broos responded with a series of changes, adjusting shape and personnel as South Africa dominated territory and possession. 

However, Cameroon remained compact and disciplined, limiting clear openings despite sustained pressure.

The breakthrough finally arrived in the 87th minute when substitute Evidence Makgopa tapped home from close range to give Bafana hope of a dramatic finish. 

But Cameroon held their nerve in the closing moments, slowing the game and protecting their lead.

In the end, South Africa were left to rue a dominant opening spell that went unrewarded, as Cameroon’s efficiency and experience proved decisive on a night where fine margins told the story.