South Africa Vs Cameroon Player Ratings: Indomitable Lions Cruise Into Quarter-Finals With 2-1 Win Over South Africa

The South Africa National football team was knocked out of AFCON 2025 at the Agdal Medina Stadium after a marginal loss against Cameroon National Football team. The contest was a tense encounter as both teams looked sharp from the start. The outcome of his clash was decided by pure clinical finishing from the Indomitable Lions. Cameroon simply knew how to take their chances when they arrived and were the better side throughout. South Africa, on the other hand, will be kicking themselves for missing the golden opportunities that they failed to convert. One of the best African football teams Cameroon were the favourites coming into this AFCON contest.

The Indomitable Lions roared into the lead through Junior Tchamadeu before halftime. They then doubled their advantage just after the break with a brilliant header from Christian Kofane. That second goal, coming so early in the second half, really felt like a knockout blow for Africa. It just seemed to destroy the morale of the entire Bafana Bafana team.

South Africa surely had moments, with 15 shots and 64% possesion. They created opportunities, but the final ball or the final shot was consistently lacking. A real sense of frustration was noticed, especially from striker Lyle Foster, who had a night to forget. In the end, Cameroon's efficiency and defensive solidity saw them through to a deserved 2-1 win. Sportsdunia gives you the detailed South Africa Vs Cameroon Player Ratings from the Africa Cup of Nations RO16 clash.

South Africa Player Ratings vs Cameroon

Goalkeeper

Ronwen Williams - 6.0: The captain was left exposed for both goals, to be honest. He made a couple of necessary saves, including a key stop from a header in the first half. His distribution was decent, finding his mark most of the time. But ultimately, he couldn't produce a miracle. It was a tough day at the office for him.

Defenders

Mbekezeli Mbokazi - 6.5: A really solid outing from our perspective. He was a force in the air, winning most of his aerial duels and putting in some strong tackles. He was one of the few defenders who seemed to consistently win his one-on-one battles. A committed and energetic performance throughout his time on the pitch.

Nkosinathi Sibisi - 5.5: A difficult evening for the centre-back. His passing was tidy, but he struggled with the physicality of Cameroon's forwards. He gave away a couple of silly fouls and picked up a yellow card for his troubles before being substituted. He just looked a step off the pace.

Siyabonga Ngezana - 6.0: Much like his defensive partners, he had his hands full. He made some important tackles and clearances but also earned a yellow card for a cynical foul. What stood out was his effort; he never gave up. However, he was caught out of position on occasion, which created problems.

Khuliso Mudau - 6.0: Was tidy in possession and kept the ball moving, but we expected more from him going forward. He was a bit too safe with his passing. He missed a late chance to get his team back in the game. Defensively he was okay but offered little attacking threat from the fullback position.

Midfielders

Teboho Mokoena - 6.5: He was everywhere, but it was a chaotic performance. He saw a lot of the ball and had a high pass completion rate. However, he committed four fouls and deservedly got a yellow card for his recklessness. He tried to make things happen but his aggression sometimes got the better of him.

Bathusi Aubaas - 7.0: One of South Africa's better players on the night. He was a workhorse in the middle of the park, winning an impressive number of duels and recovering the ball multiple times. He was combative and broke up play effectively. He put in a real shift for his team.

Samukelo Kabini - 5.5: A really quiet game for the midfielder. He failed to make any significant impact on the match and was rightly substituted after an hour. He had a couple of shots from distance but they didn't trouble the keeper. It felt like the game passed him by.

Forwards

Oswin Appollis - 6.5: Showed flashes of real quality, creating two big chances for his teammates. He was lively and looked dangerous in the first hour. However, his influence waned as the game went on, and he was eventually taken off. A promising but ultimately frustrating performance.

Lyle Foster - 5.0: A night he will want to forget. From our perspective, he looked a frustrated figure, missing a big chance and getting caught offside three times. His hold-up play was okay, but he offered no cutting edge. The late yellow card for dissent just summed up his difficult evening.

Relebohile Mofokeng - 7.0: A genuine bright spark for Bafana Bafana. He was fearless, taking on defenders and creating three key passes. He looked the most likely to unlock the Cameroon defence. It was a surprise to see him substituted, as he was one of the team's best attacking outlets.

Substitutes

Aubrey Modiba, Evidence Makgopa, Sipho Mbule, Tshepang Moremi - 6.0: The substitutes tried to inject some energy into the side. Modiba, however, managed to get booked shortly after coming on. None of them could really change the course of the game, as Cameroon were already well in control by the time they were introduced.

Manager

H. Mkhalele - 5.5: His team looked organized but lacked the clinical edge needed in a knockout game. The decision to take off Mofokeng was a bit puzzling to us. He couldn't find a way to get his main striker, Lyle Foster, into the game. A disappointing result and performance.

Cameroon Player Ratings vs South Africa

Goalkeeper

Devis Epassy - 7.0: A confident and commanding performance. He made three important saves, including a great stop to deny Mokoena from range. His distribution wasn't always perfect, but he was there when his team needed him. A very reliable presence between the sticks for Cameroon.

Defenders

Che Malone - 6.5: A mixed bag of a performance. He made a massive seven clearances and won most of his duels, showing his defensive strengths. However, an error from him led directly to a South Africa shot, which was a real heart-in-mouth moment. He was strong but had moments of sloppiness.

Nouhou - 5.5: The captain had a very rash start to the game, picking up a yellow card in the second minute. This early booking seemed to affect his game. He was forced to be more cautious and couldn't play his naturally aggressive style. He was solid enough, but it wasn't his best display.

Samuel Kotto - 8.0: What a performance. He was a rock at the back, making crucial interceptions and tackles. He also provided the assist for the opening goal, showing his quality on the ball. He was composed, strong, and read the game brilliantly. A top-tier defensive display.

Midfielders

Junior Tchamadeu - 7.5: Scored the crucial opening goal with a well-taken finish from a corner. That goal set the tone for Cameroon's victory. Beyond the goal, he was a bundle of energy, working hard up and down the flank. A great contribution in a big game.

Arthur Avom - 6.5: A tireless worker in midfield. He recovered the ball seven times and made several interceptions. However, he was also quite wasteful in possession, losing the ball 14 times. His energy was vital but his use of the ball could have been much better.

Carlos Baleba - 8.5: An absolutely immense performance in the engine room. He was a monster, winning nine duels, making tackles, and intercepting passes. His control in midfield allowed Cameroon to dominate the key battles. He was everywhere, breaking up play and starting attacks. Our man of the match, just edging out Kofane.

Darlin Yongwa - N/A: Sadly, his game was cut short by an injury just 21 minutes in. It was a real shame as he had started the game brightly. We couldn't give him a fair rating based on his short time on the pitch.

Forwards

Bryan Mbeumo - 6.0: A surprisingly quiet game for a player of his calibre. He struggled to get involved, losing the majority of his duels. He worked hard for the team defensively but offered very little of his usual attacking threat. Not his night, but his team got the win.

Danny Namaso - 7.0: He was a complete nuisance to the South African defence. While he didn't score, he drew four fouls and worked tirelessly, pressing from the front. His clever movement and relentless energy created space for others. An unselfish and very effective performance.

Christian Kofane - 8.5: The match-winner. He was a constant threat, registering four shots. His headed goal early in the second half was expertly taken and ultimately sealed the victory. He was direct, powerful, and clinical. A fantastic performance and the highest-rated player on our list.

Substitutes

Aboubakar Nagida, Christopher Wooh, Olivier Kemen - 6.5: All the substitutes played their roles perfectly. They came on to add fresh legs and help see out the game. They maintained the team's defensive shape and ensured there was no late comeback from South Africa. Job done.

Manager

D. Pagou - 8.0: He got his game plan spot on. His team was defensively resolute and incredibly clinical when their chances came. They frustrated South Africa and exploited their weaknesses perfectly. The substitutions were smart and helped manage the final stages of the game. A tactical masterclass.

Sportsdunia's Player of the Match: Carlos Baleba