Cameroon on Sunday eliminated South Africa in the Africa Cup of Nations Round of 16, booking a quarterfinal spot against hosts Morocco at Agdal Medina Stadium.

The AFCON 2025 clash began at a fast, physical pace as both sides traded early momentum. Set pieces and direct play defined the opening exchanges, with Bafana Bafana seeking to impose themselves through crosses and dead-ball situations, while the Indomitable Lions relied on pace, power, and quick transitions.

The breakthrough came in the 41st minute when Junior Tchamadeu finished off a well-worked move to beat the South African back line, giving Cameroon a deserved lead heading into halftime. South Africa attempted to respond before the break, including a saved effort from Oswin Appollis, but lacked the final touch to equalize.

The second half started perfectly for Cameroon. In the 54th minute, Christian Kofane struck to make it 2-0, putting immediate pressure on South Africa and handing full control of the match to the Lions. With the advantage secured, Cameroon managed the tempo intelligently, closing down spaces and exploiting gaps on the counterattack.

South Africa found a late lifeline in the 88th minute when Evidence Maggopa met a long delivery from Aubrey Modiba inside the box to pull one back, making it 2-1 and adding tension to the closing stages.

Despite a late push from Bafana Bafana, Cameroon held firm to secure their place in the AFCON 2025 quarterfinals. Solid at the back, clinical in front of goal, and composed in key moments, the Indomitable Lions sealed a 2-1 victory.

They now face a blockbuster showdown against tournament hosts Morocco, advancing with confidence while South Africa bow out after a spirited performance that ultimately fell short when it mattered most.

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has provided a staunch defence of Viktor Gyokeres saying he has been “unbelievable” for the team, who wouldn’t be where they are without him.

Gyokeres is currently on a run of eight Premier League games without a goal from open play, after failing to have a shot in the 3-2 win over Bournemouth.

But Rice, who scored two goals in that game, paid tribute to Gyokeres’ work rate and highlighted Arsenal’s second goal of the night as a good example of what the Swedish striker brings.

“It’s tough for him because he’s got two defenders on him all game, so he has to use his strength or whatever he can to help the team.

“With that first goal, without him making that run from Gabi [Martinelli’s] flick and holding it, and setting it to Martin, the goal would not have happened for us to turn the game on its head.

“I see this guy every day. I see his finishing, how hard he hits a ball. When that space arrives for him and the ball’s arriving at his feet to score goals, he will 100 per cent score.

“But defenders in the Premier League want to be able stop Viktor Gyokeres because he’s one of the best strikers in the world – naturally when you play the best players.

“Trust me, he’s doing unbelievable for us. We wouldn’t be where we are without him. So let’s keep trying to feed him and get him on the scoresheet. But if not, the way he’s helping the team is massive.” Skysports

Zimbabwe’s AFCON 2025 journey came to an end after a 3–2 defeat to South Africa in their final Group B match at Marrakech Stadium on Monday.

The loss confirmed the Warriors’ exit from the tournament, as they finished bottom of the group and missed out on a historic first qualification to the Round of 16.

South Africa made a fast start, testing Zimbabwe early through Oswin Appollis and Sipho Mbule. Their pressure told in the seventh minute when Tshepang Moremi’s shot deflected off Divine Lunga and found the back of the net.

Zimbabwe responded well and slowly grew into the contest. Tawanda Maswanhise was a constant threat and capped his performance with a fine solo goal in the 19th minute, beating three defenders before calmly slotting past Ronwen Williams to make it 1–1 at the break.

South Africa took control early in the second half and regained the lead after Lyle Foster capitalised on a loose header from Lunga and finished confidently. The Warriors kept pushing and were unlucky when Maswanhise struck the post from close range.

Their persistence paid off in the 74th minute when Aubrey Modiba turned the ball into his own net after Williams blocked Maswanhise’s effort, bringing Zimbabwe level again.

Zimbabwe had a late chance to take the lead, but substitute Macaulay Bonne was denied in a one-on-one by Williams. Moments later, South Africa were awarded a penalty after Marvelous Nakamba was adjudged to have handled the ball, and Appollis converted from the spot to seal the win in the 81st minute.

The result saw South Africa advance to the Round of 16 alongside Egypt. Angola finished third in the group with two points following their draw with Egypt.