Key Details of the South Africa vs Cameroon Match

The upcoming match between South Africa and Cameroon is a crucial encounter in the last 16 of the 2025 CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The game will take place at the Al Barid Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, on Sunday, January 4, at 8pm (19:00 GMT). Fans can follow the buildup on Al Jazeera Sport from 16:00 GMT before the text commentary stream begins.

This match is considered one of the most significant in the round of 16. South Africa, known as Bafana Bafana, is a team building towards the World Cup, while Cameroon, the Indomitable Lions, entered the AFCON with some challenges. Just weeks before the competition started, the Cameroonian football federation president, Samuel Eto’o, replaced national team coach Marc Brys with David Pagou. On the other side, Hugo Broos, who led Cameroon to an unexpected 2017 AFCON title, is set to face his former team.

How South Africa Reached the Last 16

South Africa’s journey to the last 16 began with a 2-1 victory over Angola, marking their first win in an AFCON opening match in 21 years. Oswin Appollis opened the scoring, but Show equalized by halftime. Lyle Foster then scored the winner from outside the box.

In their second group stage match, Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, defeated South Africa 1-0. Salah converted a penalty in the 45th minute, and South Africa was denied a spot-kick late in the second half when Yasser Ibrahim appeared to handle the ball inside the box.

South Africa faced Zimbabwe in their final group match and won 3-2, with Appollis scoring a crucial penalty in the final 10 minutes. They finished the group with six points, just one behind winners Egypt.

How Cameroon Reached the Last 16

Cameroon started their campaign with a 1-0 win against Gabon, thanks to Karl Etta Eyong’s sixth-minute goal, assisted by Bryan Mbeumo. In their second match, they drew with defending champions Ivory Coast after Amad Diallo gave the Ivorians the lead, only for Ghislain Konan to score an own goal.

In their final group match, Cameroon came from behind to defeat Mozambique 2-1, with Christian Kofane scoring a thunderbolt. Ivory Coast and Cameroon finished level on seven points, with Ivory Coast topping the table due to a better goal difference.

Quarterfinal Opponents

The winner of this match will face the victor of the game between hosts Morocco and Tanzania on January 9.

Key Players for South Africa

Lyle Foster has been a standout for Bafana Bafana, scoring a crucial goal in their opening match against Angola. Sipho Mbule has taken on a greater role in attack, playing alongside Foster. Ronwen Williams remains a strong presence in goal.

Key Players for Cameroon

Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United’s standout performer, has seven goals across all competitions. He missed the previous AFCON due to injury but now has a chance to win his first trophy with Cameroon. Carlos Baleba, a 21-year-old, has impressed with performances that exceed his age.

AFCON History

South Africa have won the tournament once, in 1996 as hosts. They were runners-up in 1998 and bronze medallists in the last AFCON. Cameroon has won the tournament five times, including back-to-back titles in 2000 and 2002, and a victory in 2017.

Previous Meetings

The last meeting between the teams was a 0-0 draw in a 2016 AFCON qualifier. The reverse match in Cameroon ended in a 2-2 draw. The sides have drawn their last three encounters.

AFCON Finals History

The only meeting between the two teams at an AFCON event was in 1996, hosted by South Africa. Bafana Bafana won 3-0 in the group stage, which was also the opening game of that edition.

First Meeting

The first match between the teams was significant as it was South Africa’s first game after apartheid ended. Bafana Bafana won 1-0 in Durban on July 7, 1992, in a three-game series that saw South Africa win two matches and Cameroon one.

Head-to-Head Record

This is the 10th meeting between the two teams, with draws being the most common result. South Africa has won three times, while Cameroon has won once.

Team News

For South Africa, Sphephelo Sithole’s omission against Zimbabwe was a tactical decision, not injury-related. Relebohile Mofokeng and Bathusi Aubaas are competing for positions. The predicted starting lineup includes Williams, Mudau, Modiba, Mbokazi, Ngezana, Mokoena, Aubaas, Mbule, Mofokeng, Appollis, and Foster.

For Cameroon, captain Nouhou Tolo was injured against Mozambique and was replaced by Christopher Wooh. Mbeumo and Baleba were substituted at half-time to avoid suspensions. The predicted starting lineup includes Epassy, Tolo, Kotto, Malone, Yongwa, Baleba, Namaso, Tchamadeu, Ebong, Mbeumo, and Kofane.