Bafana Bafana will face Cameroon in the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
This matchup follows Ivory Coast’s remarkable comeback from 2-0 down to defeat Gabon 3-2. Similarly, Cameroon overcame a deficit to narrowly beat Mozambique 2-1.
The game between Bafana and the Indomitable Lions is scheduled for Sunday, January 4, in Rabat.
Bafana have not been impressive during the group stage of the tournament. In their matches against Angola and Zimbabwe, Hugo Broos’ team needed late goals to secure victories.
Their worst performance came against Egypt, where they found themselves trailing 1-0, needing a win to advance to the Round of 16. Despite Egypt being reduced to 10 men shortly after scoring, Bafana struggled to penetrate the Egyptian defence throughout the second half.
In their final group match, South Africa managed to scrape through to the next round with a 3-2 win over Zimbabwe.
Bafana qualify for round of 16
With the 1996 AFCON champions yet to display their best football, fans are left wondering if Bafana will step up their performance in the Round of 16 and find another gear.
Their defence has been a concern, having conceded four goals in three matches.
Cameroon have only let in two goals in the AFCON and will pose a threat to Bafana’s defence in the round of 16. The clash will also reunite Hugo Broos with Cameroon, having won the AFCON with the West Africans back in 2017.