Cameroon beats South Africa to set up Morocco meet
Cameroon scored a goal in either half to see off South Africa 2-1 in the Round of 16 of the Africa Cup of Nations, setting up a mouth-watering quarter-final clash with host Morocco.
Five-time winner Cameroon proved too strong at Stade El Barida as it kept on course for Africa Cup of Nations success to make up for its failure to qualify for this year’s FIFA World Cup.
Goals from Junior Tchamadeu and teenage striker Christian Kofane ensured a significant victory for the Indomitable Lions although they had to fight off a late comeback as Bafana Bafana pulled one back through substitute Evidence Makgopa with two minutes to play.
Earlier in the day, Morocco booked its berth in the last eight with a 1-0 win over Tanzania, also in Rabat.
South Africa had a bright start and two good chances to take an early lead with Lyle Foster heading wide from a second-minute free-kick and Relebogile Mofokeng breaking free after some horror defending from Che Malone but then putting his effort over the top with only the goalkeeper to beat.
Cameroon took control of the game thereafter with Bryan Mbeumo showing impressive industry as he continually switched flanks and probed at the opposing defence.
But it was fullback Tchamadeu that made the breakthrough in the 34th minute as Carlos Baleba’s shot from the edge of the area, after South Africa had cleared a corner, rebounded off a defender to Tchamadeu in space on the left and he had an easy finish.
The 19-year-old Kofane put Cameroon further ahead two minutes into the second half as he headed home unmarked at the back post for a second goal in successive matches at the tournament.
South Africa looked to get back into the contest with left back Samkelo Kabini having an effort cleared off the line on the hour mark and Teboho Mokoena’s free kick turned around the corner by Cameroon goalkeeper Devis Epassy.
At the other end, a swift Cameroon counter-attack with 20 minutes left could have seen it score again but South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams made a vital interception to deny Arthur Avom.
South Africa laid siege to the Cameroon goal in the closing stages and substitute striker Makgopa bundled the ball over for a late consolation.
"Yes, we are going to face Morocco, which is a major force in African football," Cameroon midfielder Baleba said.
"We are on a good run, it's up to us to keep our heads cool and continue like this. Our mindset is very positive, we play for each other and that's what makes our team strong."
