South Africa vs Cameroon Preview, prediction, lineups, betting tips & odds | AFCON 2025 Round of 16

Bafana Bafana made it out of Group B as runners-up, while the Indomitable Lions come from Group F.

Fans are looking forward to a tough battle when South Africa meet Cameroon in a high-stakes Round of 16 fixture at the Agdal Medina Stadium on January 5, 2026. This game brings together two nations with deep roots in African football history. They have taken very different paths through the group stages.

South Africa secured their place by finishing second in Group B. They earned crucial victories against Zimbabwe and Angola. Cameroon did the same thing by taking the runner-up spot in Group F.

Bafana Bafana committed to out-do their 2023 3rd place medal 👀How excited are you for South Africa in #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025? 👊🇿🇦 pic.twitter.com/UhjQY5f76j

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 20, 2025

Consequently, the tactical battle between Hugo Broos and his former side makes things more interesting. The Belgian coach previously led the Indomitable Lions to trophy success in 2017.

Statistical records favour the South African side. They hold three wins compared to Cameroon’s single victory in nine historical meetings. Nevertheless, the Indomitable Lions demonstrated significant resilience during their recent 2-1 comeback win against Mozambique. This suggests they have the toughness required for knockout football.

Bryan Mbeumo remains a focal point for the Cameroonian attack. He plays alongside the emerging Christian Kofane, who recently displayed clinical finishing. Conversely, Bafana Bafana rely heavily upon the goal-scoring form of Lyle Foster. They also look to the creative spark of Oswin Appollis to penetrate disciplined defensive lines.

With strength and pride, Cameroon pose for their official #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 photoshoot. 🇨🇲 pic.twitter.com/ZeIJTccY8O

— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 21, 2025

The match winner will likely face either Morocco or Tanzania in the quarter-finals. This depends on results elsewhere in the bracket. Analysts expect a cautious opening period. Both teams will prioritise defensive stability before seeking to exploit spaces on the counter-attack.

Furthermore, Frank Magri’s physical presence could pose problems for the South African backline. This is especially true if they fail to maintain concentration throughout the full ninety minutes. Fans across the continent wait to see if the 1996 winners can maintain their unbeaten streak against this traditional African giant.

Kick-off:

• Location: Rabat, Morocco
• Stadium: Agdal Medina Stadium
• Date: Monday, January 5, 2026
• Kick-off Time: 12:30 AM IST
• Referee: TBD
• VAR: Officials will use VAR

Form:

• South Africa: W-L-W-W-W
• Cameroon: W-D-W-L-D

Players to watch out for:

Lyle Foster (South Africa)

Hugo Broos relies heavily on Foster. The Burnley striker provides the clinical edge this squad often lacks. He currently tallies two goals in three AFCON Group B appearances.

This includes the crucial equaliser against Angola. His movement off the shoulder of the last defender consistently creates high-quality scoring opportunities for Bafana Bafana.

Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)

The Manchester United winger runs the Indomitable Lions’ attack. He uses exceptional ball-carrying ability and precise delivery from wide areas. Mbeumo has registered one assist so far in Group F.

He also maintains a passing accuracy of 82%. Mbeumo’s creative influence proved vital during the narrow 1-0 victory over Gabon.

Match Facts:

1. The big story here centres entirely on Hugo Broos. He finds himself plotting the downfall of the very nation he guided to continental glory less than a decade ago. The Belgian tactician etched his name into Cameroonian folklore by leading the Indomitable Lions to their fifth title in 2017.

However, he now stands in the opposite dugout. He is orchestrating Bafana Bafana’s tactical approach. This unique dynamic forces the 73-year-old coach to dismantle the same footballing culture he once rebuilt. This adds an intensely personal layer to this knockout confrontation.

2. History binds these two nations together through a momentous occasion. This event transcends mere competition. Cameroon served as South Africa’s first international opponent following the end of apartheid-enforced isolation.

The Indomitable Lions arrived in Durban in July 1992 as World Cup quarter-finalists. Despite this, a Doctor Khumalo penalty secured a famous 1-0 victory for the newly readmitted hosts. That rainy evening at King’s Park remains a definitive reference point for South African football. It marks the exact moment they stepped back onto the global stage against the continent’s most feared side.

3. South Africa famously utilised a resounding 3-0 victory over Cameroon during the 1996 group stages. This served as the primary springboard for their solitary continental championship triumph. Phil Masinga and his attacking partners dismantled the Cameroonian defence that afternoon in Johannesburg.

They established a benchmark of dominance that the current squad desperately hopes to emulate. Supporters interpret this Round of 16 meeting as a poetic chance to mirror that history. They believe a win against the Indomitable Lions serves as the necessary precursor for claiming a second African title.

South Africa vs Cameroon Betting Tips and Odds:

• Total Goals: Under 2.5 – 1.55 (Hollywoodbets).
• Double Chance: South Africa Win or Draw – 1.42 (Betway).
• Lyle Foster to score anytime – 3.10 (1xBet).

Injuries and Team News:

South Africa:

Hugo Broos faces a distinct headache in his defensive midfield. This is due to the suspension of Mothobi Mvala. Mvala picked up his second yellow card during the dramatic 3-2 victory over Zimbabwe.

The enforcer’s unavailability forces the Belgian tactician to break up his preferred central partnership. This creates a potential vulnerability that the Cameroonians might exploit.

The medical team is also sweating over the fitness of Thapelo Maseko. The dynamic winger sustained a knock to his ankle against Angola. He has trained separately from the main group for the last three days.

The technical staff remains hopeful for a late fitness test. However, widespread reports from the camp in Rabat suggest that Broos feels reluctant to gamble. He does not want to throw him into a Round of 16 clash.

Cameroon:

The team sheet will lack Andre Onana, Vincent Aboubakar, and Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting. The federation excluded them from the final tournament roster due to an administrative power struggle. This was not due to fitness concerns.

The absence of such experienced leaders leaves a huge hole in the dressing room. Younger talents must now shoulder the pressure of knockout football without their traditional mentors.

Furthermore, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa remains a major doubt. He limped out of the final training session before the group stage conclusion. Medical reports cite a recurring hamstring issue. This will likely preclude his participation in this high-intensity fixture.

Head-To-Head stats:

• Total Matches Played: 9
• South Africa Wins: 3
• Cameroon Wins: 1
• Draws: 5

Predicted Starting Lineups:

South Africa (4-2-3-1):

R. Williams; K. Mudau, S. Ngezana, M. Mbokazi, A. Modiba; S. Sithole, T. Mokoena; T. Moremi, S. Mbule, O. Appollis; L. Foster

Cameroon (3-4-1-2):

D. Epassy; F. Boyomo, G. Nyamsi, N. Tolo; B. Mbeumo, O. Kemen, C. Quomah Baleba, A. Diallo; D. Loader; C. Kofane, F. Magri

Match Prediction:

Most experts anticipate a narrow victory for South Africa. Hugo Broos possesses superior tactical insight regarding his former team.

Significant squad disruptions currently affect the Indomitable Lions. This weakens their defensive cohesion against rapid counterattacks. Consequently, Bafana Bafana will likely edge this physical contest with a disciplined 1-0 scoreline.

Prediction: South Africa 1-0 Cameroon.

Telecast Details:

• India: JioHotstar, Star Sports Network
• UK: Sky Sports and TNT Sports
• US: NBC Sports
• Nigeria: SuperSport

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.