Cameroon scored in each half to edge South Africa 2-1 and book a quarterfinal meeting with hosts Morocco at AFCON.
Junior Tchamadeu opened the scoring in the 34th minute at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat on Sunday, before teenage forward Christian Kofane doubled the lead two minutes after half-time.
A late strike from Evidence Makgopa gave South Africa hope, but Cameroon held on for the win. The Indomitable Lions now face Morocco in a high-profile quarterfinal on Friday.
“The five-time champions now play the hosts in a heavyweight quarterfinal,” organisers noted. “All the pressure is on Morocco as they seek a first AFCON title in 50 years.”
Cameroon’s path to the last eight came amid turmoil. Football federation president and former star Samuel Eto’o sacked coach Marc Brys and replaced him with David Pagou. “The new coach got the better of South Africa’s Hugo Broos,” the report said, referencing the former Bafana Bafana coach’s promise to show no mercy.
South Africa, third at the last AFCON, had early chances. Relebohile Mofokeng missed a golden opportunity inside seven minutes, while Lyle Foster’s strike was ruled offside.
Cameroon’s first goal came after a VAR review. Carlos Baleba’s deflected shot found Tchamadeu, who rolled home from close range. Two-time AFCON winner Eto’o was among the 14,127 spectators celebrating the goal.
Cameroon quickly extended their lead after half-time. Mahamadou Nagida crossed from the left, and Kofane headed in his second tournament goal.
Goalkeeper Devis Epassy made key saves to deny Samukele Kabini and Teboho Mokoena, before Makgopa scored for South Africa in the 88th minute. Cameroon held on to secure a nervy victory.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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