RABAT, MOROCCO - JANUARY 04: Evidence Makgopa of South Africa celebrates a goal during the Africa Cup Of Nations, Round Of 16 match between South Africa and Cameroon at Stade El Barid on January 04, 2026 in Rabat, Morocco. (Photo by Zamani Makautsi/Gallo Images)
Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign came to a disappointing end on Sunday night after a 2-1 defeat to Cameroon.
Goals from Junior Tchamadeu and Christian Kofane sent the Indomitable Lions into the quarter-finals, while Evidence Makgopa’s late strike proved nothing more than consolation for South Africa.
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Player Ratings:
Ronwen Williams – 6
Comfortable in possession and produced a couple of important saves in the second half. He can hardly be faulted for the two goals conceded.
Khuliso Mudau – 7
Another assured display from the right-back. Solid defensively and offered an outlet going forward throughout the match.
Samukelo Kabini – 4
Struggled to make an impact and failed to justify his selection ahead of Aubrey Modiba. He also missed a good early chance that could have changed the complexion of the game.
Nkosinathi Sibisi – 5
A steady outing overall, but he will feel he could have organised the defence better for Cameroon’s second goal.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi – 7
One of Bafana’s standout performers. Calm, decisive, broke up attacks and made several crucial blocks.
Siyabonga Ngezana – 5
Looked uneasy on the ball during Bafana’s bright opening spell and will feel that he should have communicated better with Sibisi for the second goal.
Teboho Mokoena – 7
Covered every blade of grass and set the tempo in midfield in the first half. His influence waned after the interval, but his work rate never dropped.
Bathusi Aubaas – 5
Kept things ticking in midfield without ever imposing himself. Provided more structure than in previous games when Sphephelo Sithole was playing.
Oswin Appollis – 5
Worked hard but the end product was missing. Aside from brief moments linking up with Lyle Foster, he offered little going forward and was replaced on the hour-mark.
Relebohile Mofokeng – 6
Showed promise and intent but will be haunted by a missed one-on-one chance early on. He was substituted late on as Bafana chased the game.
Lyle Foster – 5
Found the net but was correctly ruled offside. Aside from that, he struggled to trouble the Cameroon defence.
Substitutes:
Aubrey Modiba – 7
Made an immediate impact off the bench. His pinpoint delivery created Makgopa’s goal and lifted Bafana’s tempo.
Evidence Makgopa – 7
Changed the dynamic of the game after being introduced. Pressed relentlessly, scored late on and came close to snatching an equaliser in stoppage time.
Sipho Mbule – 5
Brought on late and tried to force the issue, but struggled to make a meaningful impact.
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Tshepang Moremi – N/A
His late introduction didn’t warrant a rating.