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Cameroon continue their progress and set up a fiery clash with Morocco

Cameroon continued their strong run at the Africa Cup of Nations finals after securing a deserved 2–1 victory over South Africa, booking their place in the quarter-finals in the match played at the Rabat City Stadium, and setting up a highly anticipated showdown with hosts Morocco in the last eight.

The five-time African champions once again demonstrated a champion’s mentality and their ability to impose their style in major matches, underlining their determination to make amends for failing to qualify for the FIFA World Cup to be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The “Indomitable Lions” found the net in each half to seal the win, despite heavy pressure from their opponents in the closing stages.

South Africa started the match strongly and nearly opened the scoring early on through Lyle Foster, whose header drifted just wide of the post in the second minute. Minutes later, Relebohile Mofokeng capitalized on a costly defensive error by Che Malone to go clean through on goal, but squandered a golden opportunity by firing over the crossbar.

As the game progressed, Cameroon regained their composure and asserted control in midfield, thanks to the lively movement of English Manchester United forward Bryan Mbeumo, who caused constant problems for South Africa’s defense by drifting across the flanks and operating through the middle.

That pressure paid off in the 34th minute, when full-back Junior Tchamadeu followed up a loose ball inside the penalty area and calmly slotted it into the net.

At the start of the second half, Cameroon maintained their dominance and needed just two minutes to double their advantage through 19-year-old striker Christian Kofane, who rose unmarked to head the ball into the far corner, scoring his second goal in consecutive matches at the tournament.

Despite going two goals down, South Africa refused to give up and pushed forward in search of a way back. Cameroon goalkeeper Devis Epassy made an excellent save to deny a dangerous strike from Samukele Kabini, and also kept out a threatening free kick from Teboho Mokoena.

At the other end, Cameroon nearly added a third goal on a swift counter-attack, only for South Africa goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to intervene decisively.

In the closing minutes, South Africa intensified their pressure and substitute Evidence Makgopa managed to score a late goal two minutes before the final whistle, but it proved insufficient to alter the outcome of the match.

After the game, Cameroon midfielder Carlos Baleba acknowledged the difficulty of the upcoming clash against Morocco, who had defeated Tanzania 1–0 thanks to a goal from Brahim Díaz, noting that the team is enjoying a positive spell and possesses a strong collective mentality that gives them confidence to continue their campaign and challenge for the continental title

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