AFCON 2025: Cameroon see off South Africa to battle Morocco in quarter-finals

AFCON 2025: Cameroon see off South Africa to battle Morocco in quarter-finals

Cameroon defeated South Africa 2–1 in the Round of 16 fixtures of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) on Sunday to set up a quarter-finals showdown with tournament hosts Morocco.

Five-time AFCON winners Cameroon proved too strong at the Stade El Barida, keeping their title hopes alive and compensating for their failure to qualify for this year’s FIFA World Cup in North America.

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Goals from Junior Tchamadeu and teenage striker Christian Kofane sealed victory for the Indomitable Lions, although they were forced to withstand late pressure after substitute Evidence Makgopa pulled one back for South Africa two minutes from time.

Earlier on Sunday, hosts Morocco edged Tanzania 1–0 in Rabat to secure their place in the quarter-finals, thanks to a decisive second-half strike from Brahim Diaz.

Paris Saint-Germain right-back Achraf Hakimi set up Diaz, who fired past goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga at the near post midway through the second half.

Speaking after being named Man of the Match, Diaz said:

“The competition is growing in intensity, and we have just faced our toughest opposition so far. Not everything worked, but fortunately, we managed to secure the qualification. Now we go back to work to be fully ready for the quarter-finals.”

Morocco head coach Walid Regragui praised his side’s resilience after the match.

“We knew it was not going to be easy. The first half was not good, but I recognised my team much more in the second half. The most important thing is qualification,” he said.

Morocco will face Cameroon on Friday for a place in the last four.

Head of Sports at BusinessDay Media, a seasoned Digital Content Producer, and FIFA/CAF Accredited Journalist with over a decade of sports reporting.Has a deep understanding of the Nigerian and global sports landscape and skills in delivering comprehensive and insightful sports content.

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