Stats Says Bafana Should Not Fear Cameroon
As Bafana Bafana prepare to face Cameroon in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) round of 16, they will head into Sunday’s clash against the Indomitable Lions with confidence.
This confidence is rooted in history, as Bafana Bafana have never lost to Cameroon in AFCON matches, including both finals and qualifiers.
South Africa finished second in Group B after collecting six points from three matches, ending one point behind group winners Egypt. Cameroon also ended runners-up in Group F – behind holders Ivory Coast on goal difference, amassing seven points after beating Gabon, drawing with Ivory Coast, and defeating Mozambique earlier this week.
The two sides will meet in the AFCON round of 16 on Sunday at the Agdal Medina Stadium in Rabat, with kick-off scheduled for 21:00.
Statistically, Bafana Bafana have little reason to fear the Central African giants. In three competitive AFCON matches — including qualifiers — South Africa remain unbeaten against Cameroon.
Their first meeting came in the opening Group A match of the 1996 AFCON at the FNB Stadium. The late Phil Masinga was the standout performer, opening the scoring in the 14th minute with a right-footed strike from a Mark Fish pass. Another “Mark” was involved in the second goal, as Mark Williams finished with his left foot after being set up by Masinga.
The late John “Shoes” Moshoeu sealed a famous 3–0 victory in the 55th minute, capitalising on a superb pass from Doctor Khumalo.
The two nations also met in friendly matches in 2008 and 2015, which ended in a win and a draw for Bafana Bafana respectively.
One of their most memorable encounters came during the 2017 AFCON qualifiers in Limbe in 2016. Tokelo Rantie gave South Africa the lead in the 17th minute, but Sébastien Siani equalised just before half-time.
The Limbe crowd erupted when Nicolas N’Koulou put Cameroon ahead, raising expectations of a home victory. However, South Africa produced a moment of magic when Hlompho Kekana, spotting the goalkeeper off his line from inside the centre circle, unleashed a sensational long-range strike five minutes into the second half to secure a dramatic 2–2 draw.
The return leg at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban ended in a disappointing goalless draw, which remains the most recent meeting between the two sides. Bafana failed to qualify for the 2017 AFCON as they finished third in the group, which was won by Hugo Broos’ Cameroon when they defeated record winners Egypt.
As Bafana Bafana look to book a place in the AFCON quarter-finals for the seventh time, they can draw encouragement from the fact that they have never lost to Cameroon.
Even prior to AFCON competition, South Africa recorded a famous 1–0 victory over Cameroon in 1992 at Kings Park Stadium following their readmission to international football, with Doctor Khumalo converting a penalty.
