By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions withstood a furious late rally from South Africa to win 2-1 on Sunday, 4 January, securing a marquee Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) quarter-final clash with host nation Morocco.
The physical and tense knockout-round encounter saw Cameroon establish control with a goal either side of half-time, before surviving a desperate final push from South Africa.
The deadlock was broken in the 34th minute when defender Junior Tchamadeu unleashed a shot from outside the penalty area that took a decisive deflection off a South African player, leaving goalkeeper Ronwen Williams stranded as the ball found the net.
Carrying this lead into the interval, Cameroon emerged from the break with sharpened intensity and extended their advantage just two minutes into the second half. A precise, curling cross from full-back Enzo Nagida found the head of an unmarked Kofane Christian, who powered the ball home from close range.
With a two-goal cushion, the Indomitable Lions managed the game effectively, ceding possession but limiting clear chances. South Africa’s efforts were frustrated until the 88th minute, when substitute striker Evidence Makgopa latched onto a through ball and finished coolly past the Cameroonian goalkeeper.
The goal ignited a frantic finale as South Africa gained momentum, but the Cameroonian defence held firm to see out five minutes of stoppage time and clinch the victory.
The result sets up a high-stakes showdown with the Atlas Lions of Morocco, who earlier secured their quarter-final berth with a 1-0 victory over Tanzania. The match pits Cameroon’s resurgent momentum against the host nation’s home advantage and title ambitions.
On the streets of Yaoundé, fans celebrated the team’s progression and expressed a belief that the historic “Indomitable spirit” has returned.
“This team is fighting for the flag again. They are playing with heart and discipline,” one fan said. “After missing the World Cup, this tournament is everything. We believe they can go all the way.”
Another supporter added, “For a while, we had lost our identity. But now, the lion is awake. We are not afraid of anyone, not even Morocco on their own ground this Friday.”
The quarter-final between Cameroon and Morocco is scheduled for Friday, 9 January, at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The round of 16 concludes on Monday, 5 January, with two matches: six-time champions Egypt face Benin, while three-time winners Nigeria take on Mozambique.
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, featuring 24 national teams, is being played across six cities in Morocco.