Bafana brace for round-of-16 clash with Cameroon

A momentous clash awaits at the Agdal Medina Stadium in Rabat on Sunday as South Africa and Cameroon meet for the second time in Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) history and for the first time in the 21st century, with a spot in the quarterfinals at stake.

Kick-off is at 9pm CAT.

CURRENT FORM

South Africa secured its spot in the round of 16 by finishing second in Group B with six points, one behind first-placed Egypt.

Bafana Bafana began its campaign with a 2-1 win over Angola before falling to the Pharaohs 1-0, and then ending their group stage with a nervy 3-2 win over neighbours Zimbabwe.

This is the third time in tournament history and first time since 2000 that Bafana have won two group games at an AFCON finals. A victory over Cameroon in open play would mean successive AFCON wins for the first time since the 2000 edition.

"There's no easy team at this AFCON."

Ahead of South Africa's clash against Cameroon Ricardo Goss speaks about what's coming up for them and how Moroccan fans want a rematch 👀#SSDiski pic.twitter.com/0I9cle20Ot — SuperSport Football ⚽️ (@SSFootball) January 3, 2026

South Africa will be competing in the round of 16 for the third time and are yet to lose, let alone concede, at this stage of the tournament.

---- NIGERIA ONLY ----

A victory for Bafana Bafana would see them advance to the quarterfinals for the seventh time in tournament history.

Hugo Broos’ men have consistently performed better in the second half of games at this edition of the tournament, but will need a faster start against Cameroon if they are to advance.

Cameroon finished level on points and goal difference with reigning champions Ivory Coast at the top of Group F.

The Indomitable Lions managed a 1-0 victory in their opener against Gabon, a 1-1 draw with Ivory Coast in their second game, and a 2-1 comeback victory over Mozambique in their final group fixture.

Making its fifth successive knockout-stage appearance and awaiting its 99th AFCON match, Cameroon could qualify for an 11th AFCON quarter final with a victory.

The Indomitable Lions will need defensive solidity as they are yet to keep a clean sheet in an AFCON round of 16 fixture and have kept only one clean sheet in their last eight AFCON games.

WHAT WAS SAID

Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos has not been pleased with his side’s lack of aggression and lack of focus for periods of games, stating they have to be better if they are to beat Cameroon.

“Yeah, this is something I'm worried about because it happened now against Angola and today. And even against Egypt, our beginning of the game, nearly all the first half was soft, was weak.

"We were not determined in the duel. There was no aggression. And we saw that in the first 20 minutes, we had that. But then, like you said, we took the foot out of the pedal,” said Broos.

“We don't have to play like that against [Cameroon]. If we do that, then we have no chance. We have no chance to win that game.”

PLAYERS TO WATCH

South Africa - Lyle Foster has been the most productive player for Bafana Bafana at this edition, bagging two goals and two assists in three games at the tournament. He will look to continue contributing as Bafana look to return to the podium for a second successive tournament.

Cameroon - Carlos Baleba has controlled the midfield battle for the Indomitable Lions. The Brighton and Hove Albion star was named in the Group Stage Best XI and will look to continue his dominating performances in the middle of the park.