By RismadarVoice Reporters
January 5, 2026
Cameroon have booked a mouthwatering quarter-final showdown with tournament host, Morocco at the Africa Cup of Nations after both teams secured hard-fought victories in their respective round of 16 encounters on Sunday.
The Indomitable Lions advanced to the last eight with a 2–1 win over South Africa, ending a seven-match winless streak against Bafana Bafana in the process.
Cameroon endured a difficult opening period, struggled to assert themselves in attack, however found a breakthrough in the 34th minute. A corner kick was only partially cleared by the South African defence, and after a series of deflections, the ball fell to Junior Tchamadeu, who calmly curled home his first international goal from close range.
The Lions doubled their lead just two minutes into the second half when Aboubakar Nagida delivered a pinpoint cross that Christian Kofane headed in from a tight angle. South Africa responded with renewed urgency, but were repeatedly thwarted by Cameroon goalkeeper Devis Epassy. The shot-stopper produced several crucial saves, including a point-blank stop from Samukele Kabini and an impressive tip-over from Teboho Mokoena’s free kick.
South Africa eventually pulled one back in the 88th minute when Evidence Makgopa scored from close range, setting up a tense finish. However, Cameroon showed composure and resilience in stoppage time to secure another narrow victory and seal their place in the quarter-finals.
Earlier on Sunday, Morocco also edged into the last eight with a tense 1–0 victory over Tanzania in front of an energetic home crowd. The Atlas Lions dominated possession from the opening minutes but were frustrated by a well-organized Tanzanian defence. An early header by Ismael Saibari was ruled out for offside, while Morocco failed to register a shot on target before half-time.
Tanzania remained dangerous on the counter-attack, came close to taking the lead early in the second half, but Feisal Salum squandered a clear opportunity by firing over the bar. Moments earlier, Tanzania goalkeeper Hussein Masalanga had produced a fine save to deny Abde Ezzalzouli’s header.
With tension rising in the stadium, the breakthrough finally came in the 64th minute when Brahim Díaz squeezed a low shot past Masalanga at the near post, continuing his impressive scoring form at the tournament.
The goal settled Moroccan nerves, and the host saw out the closing stages with composure to secure victory.
Morocco and Cameroon will now face each other in the quarter-finals on Friday, with the hosts aiming to end a 50-year wait for continental glory, while the Indomitable Lions arrive buoyed by momentum from another gritty knockout performance.
