For the first 30 minutes, South Africa set the tempo. High pressing, vertical play, clear chances: Cameroon bent but did not break, saved by Epassy and South Africa’s own imprecision. Then, in a match waiting for a turning point, Tchamadeu appeared in the 33rd minute. One shot, one goal, and suddenly the game shifted.
Revitalised, the Cameroonians took control. Immediately after the break, 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 87th minute, and Rabat held its breath. Epassy was tested but held firm… and Cameroon survived. Solid, organised, sometimes on the edge, the Lions resisted until the final whistle.
Dominated but qualified, challenged but lucid, Cameroon moves forward. The Indomitable Lions will face Morocco on Friday at the Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
Reactions
Carlos Baleba – TotalEnergies Man of the Match:
“Yes, we are going to face Morocco, which is a strong side in African football. We are on a good run, and it’s up to us to keep a cool head and continue like this. Our mindset is very positive; we play for each other, and that is what makes our team strong.”
Hugo Broos – South Africa Head Coach:
“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.”
David Pagou – Cameroon Coach
“We are of course excited with the result. We have had quite a hectic assignement 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”