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Rabat – South Africa meet Cameroon today at Al Medina Stadium in a Round of 16 match at the Africa Cup of Nations 2025.
South Africa Bafana Bafana reached the knockout stage as runners-up in Group B with six points from two wins. The Cameroonian Indomitable Lions also finished second in Group F, staying unbeaten with two victories and a draw.
The stakes are high; the winner will move on to the quarterfinals, where they could face host nation Morocco if the Atlas Lions defeat Tanzania.
South Africa were bronze medalists at the last AFCON in 2023 and lifted the trophy once before in 1996. Cameroon, meanwhile, are five-time champions and remain determined to add another title to their record.
🚨MATCH DAY🚨
AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS
LAST 16
⚽️ South Africa 🇿🇦 vs 🇨🇲 Cameroon
🗓 4 January 2026
⏰️ 20h00 (local time)
🏟 Al Medina Stadium, Rabat #BafanaPride@10bet_ZA @CastleLagerSA @HonorAfrica @Shield_ZA @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/0nn0Ih6V4y— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) January 4, 2026
Match Details
- Fixture: South Africa vs Cameroon
- Competition: AFCON 2025 – Round of 16
- Venue: Al Medina Stadium, Rabat (Morocco)
- Date: Sunday, January 4
- Kick-off: 8 p.m. local time (GMT+1)
How to Watch: Live on beIN Sports across MENA, SuperSport and SABC in South Africa, CRTV in Cameroon, and Channel 4 in the UK
South Africa Team News
Coach Hugo Broos, who guided Cameroon to the 2017 AFCON title, has built a South African team that mixes experience with young talent. Bafana Bafana started the tournament with a 2-1 win over Angola, thanks to a late goal from Lyle Foster.
They then lost 1-0 to Egypt before securing qualification with a dramatic 3-2 victory against Zimbabwe.
Broos was not fully happy with his side’s focus, even in wins, and warned that mistakes must be cut out if they want to go further.
The squad is close to full strength and determined to show they belong among Africa’s best.
Cameroon Team News
Cameroon enter this match confident, but cautious. New coach David Pagou, appointed only weeks before the tournament, has guided the Indomitable Lions through Group F with steady results.
They beat Gabon 1-0, drew 1-1 with Côte d’Ivoire, and came from behind to defeat Mozambique 2-1. They missed out on topping the group only because Côte d’Ivoire scored one more goal.
The team is organized at the back and dangerous on the counterattack and set pieces. Pagou has stressed discipline and focus, warning that South Africa are a strong, united side and the game will be tough.
The squad blends experienced players with rising talents, and despite off-field issues before the tournament, they have shown good chemistry on the pitch.
What to Expect
South Africa are expected to push forward from the start. Hugo Broos’ team have scored in every game but have also shown defensive gaps.
They will try to control the middle of the pitch through Teboho Mokoena and Bathusi Aubaas, pressing high and moving the ball quickly to wide players like Oswin Appollis and Relebohile Mofokeng.
An early goal would give Bafana Bafana confidence and help them set the pace. With Lyle Foster as the main striker, they will look to supply him inside the box, while staying cautious not to leave space behind. Broos has warned that full focus is needed, as any lapse could be costly.
Cameroon are likely to play compact and disciplined. The Indomitable Lions conceded only two goals in the group stage and rely on their strong defense. They will aim to block South Africa’s attacks by crowding the midfield and the back line, then break quickly when chances come.
With the speed and skill of Bryan Mbeumo on the wing, they can turn defense into attack in seconds.
The last three meetings between these teams all ended in draws, suggesting this could be another tight, tactical battle decided by small details.
Safe Bets & Predictions
- Both Teams to Score: Likely – South Africa have scored in every game but also conceded each time. Cameroon have found the net in all three of their matches.
- Total Goals Over 2.5: Likely – South Africa’s matches have averaged close to three goals.
- Lyle Foster to Score: Likely – The Burnley striker has already scored twice in the group stage.
- South Africa to Win: Slight Edge – It should be a tight contest, but South Africa’s cohesion and coach Hugo Broos’ experience may give them an advantage.
Predicted Score: South Africa 2-1 Cameroon
