AFCON 2025: South Africa Battles Cameroon – Team News, Lineups, Start Time
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) features a key matchup between South Africa and Cameroon in the knockout stage. The match is set to take place at Al Barid Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, on January 4 at 8 PM local time (19:00 GMT).
Match Overview
This encounter marks a tense moment for both teams. South Africa’s Bafana Bafana aims to build momentum as they gear up for the World Cup. In contrast, Cameroon faces challenges following the recent dismissal of head coach Marc Brys, with David Pagou taking over just weeks prior to the tournament.
South Africa’s Path to the Last 16
- Defeated Angola 2-1 to open their campaign, marking their first AFCON win in 21 years.
- Lyle Foster was crucial, scoring the match-winning goal after stepping up with a penalty against Zimbabwe.
- Finished the group stage with six points, just behind Egypt, who led the group with seven.
Cameroon’s Journey to the Knockout Stage
- Started the tournament with a 1-0 victory over Gabon, thanks to Karl Etta Eyong’s early goal.
- Secured a draw against Ivory Coast and a comeback win over Mozambique, concluding the group stage with seven points.
Key Players to Watch
South Africa
- Lyle Foster: A pivotal figure, having already scored a vital goal in the opening match.
- Ronwen Williams: The dependable goalkeeper who provides a strong defensive presence.
- Sipho Mbule: A rising star playing a key role in the attack.
Cameroon
- Bryan Mbeumo: The lead scorer for Cameroon, with seven goals in all competitions.
- Carlos Baleba: A young talent making a significant impact, despite his lack of major tournament experience.
Historical Context
Historically, South Africa has won the AFCON once, as hosts in 1996, and finished as finalists in 1998. Cameroon boasts a rich AFCON history, claiming five titles, with their last victory in 2017.
Previous Encounters
The last meeting between these two teams ended in a 0-0 draw during a qualification match for AFCON 2016. Overall, their encounters have been closely contested, with South Africa winning three times, Cameroon securing two victories, and five matches resulting in draws.
Upcoming Match Anticipations
This encounter is not just about qualification; it holds a significant emotional weight for both nations. The winner will advance to face Morocco or Tanzania in the quarterfinals, set to be held on January 9. As both teams prepare for this critical match, the stage is set for an exhilarating 90 minutes of football.
