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Bafana Bafana will encounter their toughest challenge in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations when they take on Cameroon in the round-of-16 match scheduled for Sunday at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, starting at 9pm.

It’s a match that contrasts South Africa’s skillful ball control with the powerful strength and experience of the five-time African champions, as both teams vie for a spot in the quarterfinals.

Bafana finished as second place in Group B, defeating Angola and Zimbabwe with a score of 2–1 and just barely losing 1–0 to Egypt.

Hugo Broos’s team was not characterized by fluid play, but they were effective, strong, and at ease in close games.

That profile poses a new difficulty for Cameroon compared to what they have encountered in Morocco.

Cameroon depend on their physicality, ability to win aerial duels, and strength throughout the game — aspects where South Africa might also find it difficult to match them directly.

Because of this, Hugo Broos is anticipated to avoid the lure of confronting Cameroon directly and instead focus on Bafana’s advantages. Maintaining ball control, setting the pace, and compelling Cameroon to pursue the ball might be South Africa’s most successful strategy for dominance.

A player like Sipho Mbule, who excels at breaking lines, could be crucial. Bafana needs imaginative play between the lines to disrupt Cameroon’s formation instead of relying on long balls or physical confrontations that benefit the Lions.

South Africa enter the elimination rounds with a steady sense of assurance. They earned six points from three group games, beginning their tournament with a win against Angola, secured by Lyle Foster.

That momentum faced a temporary setback following a loss to Egypt, a game that revealed defensive weaknesses but still kept qualification within Bafana’s control as they headed into the last group match.

Faced with pressure, Broos’ team achieved a thrilling 3–2 victory against Zimbabwe. Scores from Tshepang Moremi and Foster, along with a last-minute penalty by Oswin Appollis, ensured advancement — although allowing goals in every win is still a worry.

History provides a cautious sense of hope. Bafana have previously won the AFCON, claiming the title in 1996, and have recently beaten Egypt in 2019 and Morocco in 2023 in knockout matches.

A fascinating secondary storyline is unfolding on the South Africa bench. Broos notably led Cameroon to AFCON victory in 2017, giving him significant understanding of their mindset and tournament pace — insights that have influenced Bafana’s organized pressing and match control.

The head-to-head statistics also show an advantage for South Africa that is greater than anticipated. Bafana have not suffered a defeat in a competitive game against Cameroon since the early 1990s and secured their sole victory in the AFCON encounter in 1996.

However, Cameroon remains a risky team. Their group-stage performance, with four goals scored and two conceded, highlights a practical approach that feels at ease in knockout situations, even though recent tournaments have concluded at this stage.

On Sunday, there will be little room for mistakes. If Bafana maintain their pace and stay focused, reaching the quarterfinals is possible. If not, Cameroon’s strong presence might bring their journey to an end.