The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 Round of 16 delivered high drama on Sunday as hosts Morocco and five-time champions Cameroon secured narrow victories to book their places in the quarterfinals. The results have set up a mouth-watering last-eight showdown between two of Africa’s traditional heavyweights on Friday.
Cameroon Hold Off South Africa in Tense Battle
Cameroon produced a disciplined and resilient performance to edge past South Africa 2–1, recording their first competitive win against Bafana Bafana since 1992, ending a three-decade-long wait (According to Confédération Africaine de Football, CAF). Despite early pressure from South Africa, the Indomitable Lions struck with clinical efficiency.
South Africa started brightly and created several early openings against an initially shaky Cameroonian defence but failed to make their chances count. Cameroon struck first in the 34th minute when Junior Tchamadeu converted from a corner to put the Indomitable Lions ahead.
The advantage was doubled shortly after halftime as Christian Kofane rose to head home a cross from Aboubakar Nagida in the 47th minute. South Africa mounted a late comeback attempt, pulling a goal back through Evidence Makgopa in the 88th minute.
However, goalkeeper Devis Epassy proved decisive, producing a series of crucial saves—including a diving stop from a Teboho Mokoena free kick—to preserve Cameroon’s lead and send them into the last eight.
Diaz the Difference as Morocco Overcome Tanzania
Earlier in Rabat, hosts Morocco sealed their quarterfinal spot with a 1–0 win over a resilient Tanzania side at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
Despite dominating possession, the Atlas Lions found it difficult to break down a disciplined Tanzanian defence for long spells. The breakthrough finally came in the 64th minute when Brahim Diaz continued his impressive form, catching goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga off guard with a sharp near-post finish. It was the Real Madrid midfielder’s fourth goal in as many matches at the tournament.
Morocco also welcomed back captain Achraf Hakimi, who completed the full 90 minutes in his first start of the competition after recovering from an ankle injury. The hosts will remain in Rabat for the remainder of their campaign as they build toward the final on January 18.
Heavyweights Set to Collide
With Morocco and Cameroon joining Senegal and Mali in the quarterfinals, the AFCON 2025 knockout stage is beginning to take shape. All eyes will now turn to Friday’s quarterfinal clash between the hosts and the five-time champions—a fixture widely expected to be one of the defining matches of the tournament.
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