Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions roared back into the AFCON quarter-finals with a hard-fought 2-1 victory over South Africa in a tense Round of 16 encounter at Al Medina Stadium on Saturday.
The Lions struck first in the 34th minute when defender Junior Tchamadeu pounced on a rebound from a corner to slot home from close range, giving Cameroon a 1-0 lead at halftime. South Africa had dominated possession and created several clear chances, including a Lyle Foster goal controversially disallowed for offside early in the first half.
Cameroon doubled their advantage just two minutes into the second period when Christian Kofane rose highest to head in a pinpoint cross, seemingly putting the game beyond reach.
Bafana Bafana refused to surrender. Despite their dominance in the middle of the park, they struggled to find the killer final touch until substitute Evidence Makgopa pulled one back with a clinical close-range volley in the 88th minute, setting up a frantic finale.
The late goal sparked a desperate push for an equaliser, but Cameroon held firm through five minutes of stoppage time to secure their place in the last eight.
For South Africa coach Hugo Broos, the defeat was especially bitter – a loss against the team he famously guided to the 2017 AFCON title. The Indomitable Lions now march on, proving once again their reputation for thriving in knockout football.