Wasteful Bafana Bafana Knocked Out of AFCON 2025 After Losing to Cameroon
- Bafana Bafana have been knocked out of the ongoing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco after losing to Cameroon
- The South African men's national team were tipped as one of the favourites to win the competition, but their journey ended in the Round of 16
- Hugo Broos and his boys missed out on the opportunity to face the host nation, Morocco, in the quarter-finals of the competition
Bafana Bafana’s journey at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations ended on Sunday night, following a 2-1 loss to Cameroon in the Round of 16 at Rabat’s Agdal Medina Stadium.
Source: Getty Images
Goals from Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane gave the Indomitable Lions the deserved win over Bafana Bafana, with second-half substitute Evidence Makgopa scoring South Africa's only goal of the match.
Hugo Broos left Morocco with their head high after winning two matches, which were the opening group fixture against Angola and the last group game against Zimbabwe. They also lost twice, losing to Egypt in their second group B match and against Cameroon in the Round of 16.
Bafana Bafana knocked out of AFCON 2025
Broos decided to ring several changes for the fixture, handing tournament debuts to Relebohile Mofokeng, Nkosinathi Sibisi, Samukele Kabini and Bathusi Aubaas. On the Cameroonian side, Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Carlos Baleba was deemed fit and named in the starting lineup for the Indomitable Lions.
PAY ATTENTION: Briefly News is now on YouTube! Check out our interviews on Briefly TV Life now!
South Africa began the match on the front foot, creating several early openings. Lyle Foster and Mofokeng failed to convert close-range chances, while Kabini fired over from distance as Bafana Bafana controlled proceedings during an impressive first quarter-hour.
Cameroon found it difficult to settle in the early exchanges, spending long spells chasing possession as South Africa dictated the tempo. Their problems deepened shortly after 20 minutes when head coach David Pagou was forced into an early substitution, with Mahamadou Nagida coming on for the injured Darlin Yongwa.
Those missed chances proved costly for Bafana when Cameroon struck first in the 33rd minute. Baleba’s effort took a deflection and fell kindly for Junior Tchamadeu, who finished clinically past Ronwen Williams, with VAR later confirming the goal.
Despite conceding against the flow of the game, Broos’ side maintained control, pushing higher up the pitch as Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis enjoyed increased involvement in attacking areas, though clear-cut chances remained elusive.
Just two minutes into the second half, South Africa’s chances of equalising took a hit as Cameroon regained possession in the attacking third, enabling Mahamadou Nagida to find Christian Kofane, who calmly slotted the ball past Williams with a delightful header to extend the lead.
Makgopa gave Bafana a late lifeline in the 88th minute, but it proved insufficient as the Indomitable Lions held firm, securing a spot in the quarterfinals to face hosts Morocco on Friday.
South Africa's focus is now on the 2026 FIFA World Cup, as Broos will hope to get Bafana Bafana past the group stage for the first time in history.
Cameroon legend makes bold statement on Bafana
Briefly News also reported that a former Mamelodi Sundowns player made a bold statement about Bafana Bafana ahead of their game against Cameroon at the 2025 AFCON.
The Cameroon legend is also looking forward to seeing South Africa take on his native country in the Round of 16.
PAY ATTENTION: Follow Briefly News on Twitter and never miss the hottest topics! Find us at @brieflyza!
Proofreading by Kelly Lippke, copy editor at Briefly.co.za.
Source: Briefly News
