Bafana Bafana’s AFCON journey has come to an end after a tough last-16 defeat to Cameroon. South Africa showed fight late in the match, but it was not enough to overturn the deficit. Picture Credit: Afrik-Foot
By Aisha Zardad
Rabat, Morocco – South Africa’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign came to an end on Sunday night after Bafana Bafana suffered a narrow defeat to Cameroon in their last-16 encounter, bringing an early close to hopes of progressing deeper into the continental tournament.
Cameroon struck first midway through the opening half, capitalising on defensive lapses to take control of the match. The Indomitable Lions doubled their advantage shortly after the restart, placing Bafana Bafana under significant pressure as they searched for a way back into the contest.
South Africa showed improved urgency in the latter stages, pushing higher up the field and committing numbers forward in search of a breakthrough. Their efforts were rewarded late in the match when a well-worked move resulted in a goal that reignited hopes of a dramatic comeback.
Despite the late surge, Bafana Bafana were unable to find an equaliser before the final whistle, with Cameroon managing the closing minutes effectively to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
The result marks a disappointing end to South Africa’s AFCON journey, particularly after encouraging performances earlier in the tournament that suggested the team could challenge some of the continent’s traditional powerhouses.
Bafana Bafana entered the knockout stage with cautious optimism, having shown resilience and improved tactical discipline during the group phase. However, the loss highlighted ongoing challenges, including lapses in concentration and missed opportunities in crucial moments.
Head coach Hugo Broos acknowledged the difficulty of the contest, noting that Cameroon’s experience at major tournaments played a decisive role. He said the margins at this level remain small and that South Africa must learn to be more clinical when chances present themselves.
The defeat also brings renewed scrutiny on Bafana Bafana’s attacking efficiency, with the team struggling at times to convert promising build-up play into goals. Analysts have pointed out that while South Africa created opportunities, the lack of a cutting edge proved costly against a side as disciplined as Cameroon.
Cameroon, meanwhile, advanced with confidence and will now turn their attention to the quarter-final stage, where tougher challenges are expected as the tournament reaches its decisive phase.
For South Africa, attention now shifts away from AFCON and toward future competitions, including the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers. Broos has indicated that the lessons from the AFCON campaign will inform squad selection and tactical planning going forward.
Football administrators and supporters alike are expected to reflect on the campaign, balancing disappointment with recognition of progress made under the current technical team. While the early exit is a setback, there remains cautious belief that the foundations being laid could yield results in future tournaments.
As Bafana Bafana return home, questions will persist about squad depth, goal-scoring consistency and the ability to compete with Africa’s elite over a sustained period. The coming months are likely to be crucial as the national side looks to rebuild momentum and restore confidence ahead of the next international window.
