Cameroon Hold Firm to End South Africa’s Run and Reach AFCON Quarter Finals
Cameroon set aside a long run of frustration against South Africa with a measured 2 _1 victory that carried the Indomitable Lions into the quarter finals of the Africa Cup of Nations. It was a result marked by patience, brief moments of precision and a goalkeeper who refused to blink. South Africa arrived with early intent and for a spell looked the sharper side. They pressed high and found space against a Cameroon defence that appeared unsettled. Relebohile Mofokeng was handed a clear opening after capitalising on a loose moment at the back, but his effort rose over the bar when it mattered most. Lyle Foster then thought he had given Bafana Bafana the lead, finishing neatly from an angle, only for the flag to cut short the celebration. A quick review confirmed the offside. Cameroon struggled to settle going forward, often reaching the final third without a clear idea. Then, almost quietly, the game turned. In the 34th minute a corner was not properly dealt with and the ball ricocheted around the area before falling kindly to Junior Tchamadeu. He kept his nerve, guiding a calm finish into the net for his first international goal. The second half began with purpose from the Lions. Just two minutes after the restart, Aboubakar Nagida delivered a low cross from the left and Christian Kofane rose to meet it, steering a precise header in from a tight angle. The advantage was doubled and the momentum shifted. South Africa responded with changes and renewed pressure, but they were met by a goalkeeper in full command. Devis Epassy produced a series of saves that slowly drained belief from the opposition. He blocked Samukele Kabini from close range and moments later stretched to push Teboho Mokoena’s free kick wide. As time slipped away, South Africa kept pushing. Khuliso Mudau missed his chance when the ball dropped invitingly in the box, but the pressure finally told late on. With two minutes left, Evidence Makgopa struck from close range to reduce the deficit and stir the stadium. There was still time, five minutes of stoppage time heavy with expectation, but Cameroon held firm. The final whistle confirmed their place in the quarter finals, another narrow win in a tournament where they have made a habit of edging through, one goal at a time. See less
| 2026-01-04 21:41:39