Cameroon Stun South Africa With Clinical Finish in AFCON Last-16 Clash
So, here’s how this South Africa versus Cameroon story unfolded at the Africa Cup of Nations, and it turned out to be a classic example of how football doesn’t always reward possession or control. The last-16 showdown was played at Al Medina Stadium, and on paper, it looked like a tightly balanced contest. In reality, Cameroon were simply more ruthless when it mattered most, walking away with a 2–0 win that sent South Africa crashing out.
From the opening minutes, South Africa were the side that appeared to be in charge. The ball was kept well, passes were strung together with confidence, and the midfield was worked hard to push Cameroon back. By the numbers, dominance was clear. Over 64 percent possession was recorded, nearly double the number of passes were completed, and the pressure was sustained for long spells. However, all that control didn’t translate into goals, and that’s where the game quietly slipped away.
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Cameroon, on the other hand, were happy to stay compact and wait for the right moments. That patience paid off in the 34th minute when Jean Tchamadeu broke the deadlock. The move was finished cleanly, following a well-timed assist from Sylvain Kotto, and suddenly the entire tone of the match changed. South Africa were still in the game, but the sense of urgency was unmistakable.
Just after the break, the situation worsened for South Africa. Only two minutes into the second half, Christian Kofane doubled Cameroon’s lead. Once again, it was a sharp, decisive moment, with the assist coming from Aboubakar Nagida. At 2–0, Cameroon were firmly in control, even though they continued to see less of the ball.
South Africa did try to respond. Shots were taken from distance, corners were earned, and substitutions were made to inject fresh energy. But chances were either blocked, pushed away by goalkeeper Devis Epassy, or wasted under pressure. Discipline also became an issue, with multiple yellow cards being shown as frustration began to show.
In the end, this match was decided by efficiency rather than style. Cameroon converted two of their key chances and defended with purpose, while South Africa were left to reflect on missed opportunities and an attacking display that lacked a final touch. As Cameroon move on to face hosts Morocco, South Africa’s AFCON journey ends with a familiar lesson: control alone is never enough at this level.
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