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Paradoxically, despite their long companionship on the African stage, South Africans and Cameroonians hardly crossed paths in the final phase of the AFCON. Their only precedent dates back to the opening match of the 1996 edition, when South Africa, host country, had dominated Cameroon (3-0) at Soccer City, thus setting the stage that will lead it to its unique continental victory.
In all their matches, all competitions combined, the statistics lean slightly in favor of the Bafana Bafana: in nine games, South Africa has 3 wins, against only one for Cameroon, the other 5 matches having ended in a draw. The only Cameroonian success dates back to a friendly match in July 1992 (2-1). Since then, the Indomitable Lions have remained on seven matches without a victory against South Africa.
South Africa, ambition and continuity
Third in the last edition, South Africa is advancing with the assumed ambition to confirm its progress. Under the direction of the Belgian coach Hugo Broos, the Bafana Bafana have established themselves in a certain continuity, relying on a stable collective and a clearly asserted identity. This meeting has a particular dimension for Broos, former architect of the 2017 AFCON win for Cameroonian that was in Gabon.
« When one wins this competition with a country, there is always a small place in the heart. But tomorrow (Sunday, ed), I want to win because I am the coach of South Africa.”
said Broos in a prematch presser.
On the field, South Africa relies on a group experienced in high-intensity matches. The Bafana Bafana have demonstrated in recent years their ability to bring down some champions, notably Egypt at home in 2019 or Morocco during the AFCON 2024 in Ivory Coast. A valuable experience in a knockout match. Midfielder Teboho Mokoena sums up the group’s mindset.
«We know that it will be very difficult against Cameroon, but we want to do better than during the last AFCON.»
Cameroon, between heritage and reconstruction
Quintuple champion of Africa, Cameroon approaches this eighth final clash with its historic status, but also with a group in full transition. Recently arrived on the bench, coach David Pagou inherited a turbulent environment marked by profound upheavals before the tournament. Despite this, the Indomitable Lions showed a convincing face in the first round, finishing their group stage with more certainty than expected.
The collective intensity, the mental solidity and the ability to compete with the best teams have allowed Cameroon to regain a positive dynamic. Pagou insists on the need to stay focused in the face of a well-identified opponent:
“We are facing a very strong, very cohesive South African team that has been playing together for a long time. It will be very complicated, but being here is already a source of pride ».
In the Cameroonian group, mindset is highlighted as an essential lever. Samuel Kotto emphasizes the importance of the collective.
“Representing our country is an immense pride. We are like a family.”
A duel that promises balance
We can expect a close match. The last three confrontations between South Africa and Cameroon have all ended in a draw, either during the AFCON 2017 qualifiers or during a friendly match in January 2015. In a context of direct elimination, where the place for emotion is reduced, this eighth final looks undecided, possibly to be decided on details. Between a South Africa in search of confirmation and a Cameroon eager to reconnect with its continental prestige, Rabat will be the scene of a confrontation as symbolic as strategic.