An absorbing Round of 16 match at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco sees former champions collide when South Africa play Cameroon in Rabat.
The pair meet at the Agdal Medina Stadium with neither having topped their pool – both progressing as runners-up behind Egypt and Cote d’Ivoire respectively.
South Africa were fancied as dark horses to win the competition coming into the event and recently made history by qualifying for the 2026 Fifa World Cup for the first time since France ’98, discounting their automatic entry as hosts of the global showpiece in 2010.
But they have yet to click fully into gear in the north of the continent.
It took an Oswin Appollis penalty to seal a late 3-2 win over Zimbabwe in their final pool assignment, in which they had twice been pegged back after taking the lead against their lively neighbours through Tshepang Moremi and then Lyle Foster.
Controversy reigned over Bafana Bafana’s second outing against heavyweights Egypt.
Dubious decision-making from the match officials and VAR combined to leave a bitter taste, as Mohamed Salah netted a penalty just before half time that ultimately decided the contest.
Bafana had earlier edged past Angola in their tournament opener, with Appollis and Foster again on target in their 2-1 victory.
It ultimately led to the second-placed finish for the 1996 champions that leaves veteran coach Hugo Broos facing a reunion with the nation he guided to their most recent Afcon title in 2017.
Cameroon were handed a tricky draw but arguably came through Group F better than expected.
A final round 2-1 win over battling Mozambique sealed the deal, as an own goal and a stunning Christian Kofane strike proved just enough.
Their draw with reigning champions Cote d’Ivoire again relied on an own goal but no matter for the five-time kings of the continent, who saw off Gabon by the only goal thanks to Karl Etta Eyong’s early strike.
It means coach David Pagou, who replaced Marc Brys on the eve of the Cup of Nations, has at least negotiated his first hurdle in the quest for a sixth continental crown.\
South Africa vs Cameroon goal times
| Time Segment | South Africa GF | South Africa GA | Cameroon GF | Cameroon GA | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0-15 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | Both teams start well and rarely concede early |
| 16-30 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | Balanced period with equal threat and vulnerability |
| 31-45 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | South Africa weak late in first half, Cameroon stable |
| 46-60 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | Cameroon strongest period, South Africa also improve |
| 61-75 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | South Africa vulnerable, Cameroon neutral |
| 76-90 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | South Africa finish strongest, Cameroon fade |
South Africa vs Cameroon goal prediction
Kick off is at 21:00 SAST.
| First to score | Cameroon |
| Over/Under Prediction | Under 2.5 goals |
| HT/FT Prediction | Draw / Cameroon |
| Team to score prediction | Both teams |
| Result prediction | Cameroon to win |