Cameroon and Morocco have booked their spots in the quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations 2025 after hard-fought victories on Sunday.
Cameroon 2–1 South Africa
In Rabat, the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon overcame a dominant South African side to secure a 2–1 win and progress to the next stage. South Africa controlled the opening 30 minutes with high pressing and clear chances, but Cameroon’s goalkeeper Epassy and some errors from Bafana Bafana kept the score level.
The breakthrough came in the 33rd minute when Tchamadeu scored, shifting momentum in Cameroon’s favour. Shortly after the restart, Kofane doubled the lead with a composed header in the 47th minute. South Africa pulled one back in the 87th minute through Makgopa, but Cameroon held on for the victory.
Cameroon will now face Morocco in the quarter-finals at Stade Moulay Abdellah in Rabat.
Reactions:
- Carlos Baleba (Cameroon, Man of the Match): “We are on a good run and must keep a cool head. Our positive mindset and team spirit will help us against Morocco.”
- Hugo Broos (South Africa coach): “Our team did not deserve to lose. We will focus on future objectives, including the World Cup.”
- David Pagou (Cameroon coach): “We are excited with the result. We are working to improve collectively and maintain a positive mindset.”
Morocco 1–0 Tanzania
In another Rabat clash, Morocco edged past Tanzania 1–0 thanks to a second-half strike from Brahim Diaz. Despite dominating possession, Morocco struggled to break down a well-organised Tanzanian defence in the first half. An Ismail Saibari goal in the 24th minute was ruled out by VAR for offside.
Morocco intensified after the break, creating several chances before Diaz scored in the 63rd minute from a tight angle. The goal, his fourth of the tournament, confirmed Morocco’s progression. Tanzania remained competitive but could not find an equaliser.
Morocco will meet the winner of the Cameroon–South Africa match in the quarter-finals at Stade Al Madina.
Reactions:
- Brahim Diaz (Morocco, Man of the Match): “It was a tough match, but we secured qualification. Now we focus on the quarter-finals.”
- Miguel Ángel Gamondi (Tanzania coach): “I am proud of my team’s performance. We will come back stronger.”
- Walid Regragui (Morocco coach): “The first half was difficult, but we improved after the break. We lost Azzedine Ounahi to injury, but we will continue to fight for him.”
