The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 reaches a fever pitch tonight, Sunday, January 4, 2026, as two giants of the continent, South Africa and Cameroon, collide in the Round of 16. This "blockbuster" fixture at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat is more than just a knockout game; it is a tactical chess match steeped in history and personal narratives.
Bafana Bafana enters the knockout stage with high expectations after a bronze-medal finish in the previous edition, while the five-time champions, the Indomitable Lions, are looking to restore their status as the kings of African football.
Match Details: Kick-off & Official Info
Competition: AFCON 2025 (Round of 16)
Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026
Kick-off: 19:00 GMT / 21:00 SAST / 22:00 EAT
Venue: Al Medina Stadium (Agdal), Rabat, Morocco
Referee: Dahane Beida (Mauritania)
How to Watch: SuperSport PSL (SA), SABC Sport (SA), Canal+ (Global), beIN SPORTS
The Storyline: "The Broos Factor"
The most compelling narrative of the evening is on the touchline. South Africa’s head coach, Hugo Broos, is a legendary figure in Cameroonian football history, having led the Indomitable Lions to their fifth AFCON title in 2017. Now, the Belgian strategist is tasked with orchestrating the downfall of his former team.
Broos has transformed Bafana Bafana into a disciplined, high-pressing unit that fears no one. Conversely, Cameroon, led by David Pagou, is a team "under construction" but remains dangerous due to their immense physical presence and tournament pedigree.
Team Form: Momentum vs. Resilience
South Africa: Finding the Scoring Touch
South Africa secured their spot in the Round of 16 as runners-up in Group B. They showed immense character to bounce back from a narrow loss to Egypt by defeating Angola (2–1) and winning a five-goal thriller against Zimbabwe (3–2). Lyle Foster has been the standout performer, providing the clinical edge that Bafana Bafana has often lacked in previous years.
Cameroon: The Unbeaten Lions
Cameroon negotiated a treacherous Group F without tasting defeat. They finished second behind defending champions Ivory Coast, securing their progression with a dramatic 2–1 comeback win against Mozambique. While they haven't been as free-scoring as South Africa, their ability to manage games and find goals in clutch moments—particularly through Christian Kofane—makes them a formidable knockout opponent.
Team News & Predicted Lineups
South Africa Team News
Fitness Boost: Sphephelo Sithole is fully fit after his half-time substitution against Zimbabwe was confirmed as purely tactical.
Key Man: Lyle Foster will lead the line, supported by the creative Oswin Appollis and Sipho Mbule.
Defensive Anchor: Ronwen Williams, the hero of the 2023 AFCON penalty shootouts, remains the first name on the team sheet.
Predicted XI (4-2-3-1): Williams; Mudau, Ngezana, Mbokazi, Modiba; Mokoena, Aubaas; Moremi, Mbule, Appollis; Foster.
Cameroon Team News
Major Injury: Captain and left-back Nouhou Tolo is out with a hamstring injury suffered against Mozambique.
Replacement: Christopher Wooh is expected to slot into the defense to provide cover.
Star Power: Bryan Mbeumo and Carlos Baleba are both expected to start after being rested for the second half of their final group game to avoid suspension.
Predicted XI (3-4-2-1): Epassy; Wooh, Kotto, Malone; Yongwa, Baleba, Namaso, Tchamadeu; Mbeumo, Kofane, Ebong.
Head-to-Head (H2H) & Key Stats
Historical Edge: South Africa has a surprisingly strong record against Cameroon, winning 3 out of 9 meetings, with 5 draws and only 1 loss.
The 1996 Echo: Their only previous AFCON meeting was the 1996 opener, where South Africa famously won 3–0.
34-Year Streak: Remarkably, Cameroon has not beaten South Africa in a competitive match since 1992.
The "Clean Sheet" King: Ronwen Williams has kept clean sheets in his last two AFCON Round of 16 appearances (2019 vs. Egypt and 2023 vs. Morocco).
Tactical Analysis: Speed vs. Strength
This match will be a clash of philosophies. South Africa will look to utilize their technical fluidity and the pace of their wingers to exploit Cameroon's defensive transitions, especially with the absence of Nouhou Tolo.
Cameroon, playing in a back-three system, will try to overpower Bafana Bafana in the midfield. Carlos Baleba is the engine room of the Indomitable Lions, and his battle with Teboho Mokoena will likely determine who controls the tempo. If the game goes to penalties, the psychological advantage sits firmly with South Africa and the "penalty specialist" Ronwen Williams.
Match Prediction
This is a "pick 'em" game. Cameroon has the weight of history and five stars on their chest, but South Africa possesses the tactical cohesion and current form. Given the "Hugo Broos factor" and Bafana's knack for giant-killing in the Round of 16, a narrow victory for the Southern Africans feels likely.
Final Score Prediction: South Africa 2–1 Cameroon
