Cameroon withstood early pressure before defeating South Africa 2–1 to secure a quarter-final spot even as Morocco secured a narrow 1–0 victory over Tanzania to advance to the quarter-finals of the CAF Africa Cup of Nations, AFCON 2025.
South Africa dominated the opening 30 minutes, pressing aggressively and creating chances, but Cameroon goalkeeper Devis Epassy kept the Indomitable Lions in the contest.
The breakthrough came in the 34th minute when James Tchamadeu struck clinically, shifting momentum in Cameroon’s favour after sustained South African dominance.
Cameroon doubled their lead shortly after, with Christian Kofane heading home in the 47th minute to compound South Africa’s woes.
Bafana Bafana fought back late through Evidence Makgopa’s 87th-minute goal, but Cameroon defended resolutely to seal victory.
Cameroon will face hosts Morocco in the quarter-finals on Friday at the Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
In Rabat, Brahim Diaz’s second-half goal proved decisive after a patient evening in which the hosts dominated possession but struggled to break down a disciplined Tanzanian defence.
Led by captain Achraf Hakimi, Morocco controlled early proceedings, yet found few clear openings as Tanzania defended deep and closed spaces efficiently.
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The Atlas Lions thought they had taken the lead in the 24th minute through Ismail Saibari, but the goal was disallowed for offside after a VAR review.
Morocco returned with greater urgency after the break, with Diaz and Bilal El Khannouss testing the Tanzanian backline as pressure mounted.
Tanzania nearly shocked the hosts in the 56th minute, but Feisal Toto fired over the bar when well placed inside the penalty area.
The breakthrough arrived in the 63rd minute when Diaz cut in from the flank and scored from a tight angle, sparking celebrations among the home fans.
It was Diaz’s fourth goal of the tournament, placing him atop the scorers’ chart and boosting Morocco’s title credentials.
Despite further chances, Morocco failed to add to their lead, while Tanzania battled on without finding an equaliser.
NAN
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