Sports
Report, result and goals as Indomitable Lions secure quarter-final berth
Cameroon secured a 2-1 win over South Africa to book their AFCON quarter-final place, with late drama from Evidence Makgopa ensuring a tense finish at the end of the match.
The opening stages were cagey, with both sides adjusting to the pace and physicality of the game. Cameroon broke the deadlock in the 34th minute when Junior Tchamadeu capitalised on a corner delivered by Samuel Kotto, firing a low shot home.
South Africa tried to respond but struggled to create clear-cut chances. Teboho Mokoena and Lyle Foster were involved in several attempts from outside the box, only for Cameroon goalkeeper Devis Epassy to block or save.
Cameroon doubled their lead early after the restart. In the 47th minute, Christian Kofane rose to meet a cross from Aboubakar Nagida, heading the ball into the bottom right corner to make it 2-0.
South Africa then increased their attacking intent, making multiple substitutions and introducing Evidence Makgopa and Aubrey Modiba to try to spark a comeback.
Despite sustained pressure, South Africa were unable to breach Cameroon’s defence for much of the second half.
Lyle Foster, Khuliso Mudau, and Modiba all had attempts blocked or saved, while Cameroonian defenders and Epassy held firm under late waves of South African attacks.
Late drama came in the 88th minute when Evidence Makgopa finally found a way through, converting a low cross from Aubrey Modiba to bring South Africa back into the game at 2-1.
Despite their late push and a flurry of attacking efforts in stoppage time, the hosts could not find an equaliser.
