CAMEROON END SOUTH AFRICA HOPES WITH 2-1 WIN TO REACH AFCON QUARTER-FINALS
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By: Sefiu Ajape
Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane scored on either side of halftime as Cameroon booked their place in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, edging South Africa 2-1 in Sunday’s last-16 clash.
Tchamadeu opened the scoring in the 34th minute at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, and teenage Bayer Leverkusen forward Kofane headed in the decisive second goal just two minutes after the break.
South Africa mounted a late fightback, with Evidence Makgopa pulling one back, but Cameroon held on to advance.
The five-time champions will now face hosts Morocco in a heavyweight quarter-final on Friday.
Cameroon can approach that match with confidence, leaving the pressure on Morocco as they chase a first AFCON title in 50 years on home soil. For the Indomitable Lions, reaching the last eight is already a success following a turbulent build-up that saw football federation president and Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o sack coach Marc Brys, replacing him with David Pagou.
Pagou outsmarted South Africa’s Hugo Broos, who had vowed to show “no mercy” nine years after leading Bafana Bafana to their last continental crown at the Cup of Nations in Gabon.
While South Africa will be disappointed, they can now turn focus to the upcoming World Cup.
The match began with South Africa threatening an early lead, as Relebohile Mofokeng squandered a golden chance inside seven minutes after Cameroon defender Che Malone failed to deal with a simple ball forward. Lyle Foster also had a goal ruled out for offside.
Cameroon broke the deadlock just after the half-hour mark. When South Africa could only partially clear a corner, the ball fell to Carlos Baleba on the edge of the area. His shot was deflected into Tchamadeu’s path, and the Stoke City full-back rolled home from close range, a goal confirmed after a VAR check. Cameroonian fans, including two-time AFCON winner Eto’o, erupted in celebration.
South Africa hoped for a strong start to the second half, but Cameroon struck again within two minutes.
Substitute Mahamadou Nagida’s cross found Kofane, who headed in his second goal of the tournament.
Cameroon goalkeeper Devis Epassy later denied Samukele Kabini and Teboho Mokoena, but Makgopa converted a low cross from substitute Aubrey Modiba in the 88th minute to set up a tense finish. Despite the late pressure, Cameroon held on to secure a 2-1 victory.
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