Cameroon take on South Africa in one of the intriguing 2025 Africa Cup of Nations round of 16 encounters at Agdal Medina Stadium on Sunday evening.

Cameroon collected seven points from a possible nine in the group stage but finished second behind Ivory Coast in Group F.

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South Africa also finished second in Group B but collected only six points.

Match preview

Cameroon have been effective rather than outstanding in the competition, with coach David Pagou yet to strike a balance between attacking flair and defensive solidity.

The Indomitable Lions defeated Gabon 1-0 on matchday one, drew 1-1 with Ivory Coast, and came from behind to beat Mozambique 2-1.

Bryan Mbeumo has yet to hit peak form at the tournament, but has registered the most key passes in the competition. Carlos Baleba has been solid in midfield, while Christian Kofane has also caught the eye.

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Meanwhile, South Africa have also not been outstanding, particularly defensively, conceding four goals in the group stages.

Bafana Bafana have the tendency to struggle against a compact side, as shown in their 1-0 defeat to Egypt, despite enjoying a numerical advantage for most of the game.

Burnley striker Lyle Foster has impressed for Hugo Broos’ side, being one of the two players with two goals and two assists.

Head-to-head

South Africa were 3-0 winners in their only previous meeting at AFCON. Overall they have met nine times, with Bafana Bafana boasting three wins to Cameroon’s one, while five encounters ended in draws.

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Team news

South Africa have no injury concerns ahead of this game. Pagou has also declared that Cameroon are at full strength, allaying fears over the fitness of Carlos Baleba, Nouhou Tolo and Christian Bassogo..

Predicted line-ups

South Africa (4-2-1-3): Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Siyabonga Ngezana, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Aubrey Modiba, Thalente Mbatha, Sphephelo Sithole, Teboho Mokoena, Oswin Appollis, Lyle Foster, Tshepang Moremi.

Cameroon (3-4-2-1): Devis Epassy, Che Malone, Samuel Kotto, Nouhou Tolo, Darlin Yongwa, Arthur Avom, Danny Namaso, Carlos Baleba, Junior Tchamadeu, Christian Kofane, Bryan Mbeumo.

Prediction

We project a 2-1 victory for Cameroon.

Stats from whoscored.com & cafonline.com