Another AFCON Night Of What Might Have Been For Bafana Bafana

A Familiar AFCON Feeling For South African Fans

If you are a Bafana Bafana supporter in Johannesburg, Sunday night probably felt painfully familiar. The promise. The belief. The early dominance. And then, slowly, the sinking realisation that Africa Cup of Nations football rarely rewards good intentions alone.

South Africa’s tournament came to an abrupt end in Rabat after a 2-1 defeat to a streetwise Cameroon, a result that sent Bafana Bafana crashing out earlier than many had hoped.

For large parts of the match, Bafana looked the better side. But AFCON is ruthless, and missed chances tend to come back with interest.

Bright Start, No Reward

Bafana began the match with confidence and control, moving the ball quickly and pushing Cameroon onto the back foot. Oswin Appollis’ early free kick caused panic, while Lyle Foster went close with a header that drifted just over.

There was a buzz among fans back home, especially as Relebohile Mofokeng and Teboho Mokoena combined well down the middle. On social media, Joburg supporters were praising the tempo and bravery, with many convinced an early goal was coming.

It never did.

Against the flow of the game, Cameroon struck on 34 minutes. A long-range effort broke loose in the box and Junior Tchamadeu reacted quickest, firing home from close range. One moment of hesitation, one lapse, and Bafana were behind.

Second-Half Collapse Changes Everything

If the first goal was a setback, the second felt like a punch to the gut. Just two minutes after the restart, Christian Kofane rose to power a header across goal from a superb Bryan Mbeumo delivery. Ronwen Williams had no chance.

Suddenly, all that early confidence drained away. Cameroon grew in stature, while Bafana looked stunned by how quickly the match had turned.

Hugo Broos responded with changes, throwing on Evidence Makgopa and Aubrey Modiba in search of urgency. There were half-chances and moments of pressure, but Cameroon defended with experience and composure.

Williams produced a superb save late on to keep the scoreline respectable, a reminder of how important he has been throughout the campaign.

Late Goal, Too Little Too Late

With time running out, Bafana finally found the breakthrough. In the 87th minute, Makgopa tapped home at the back post after a Modiba cross, sparking a brief flicker of belief.

WhatsApp groups across Joburg lit up. For a few seconds, anything felt possible.

But AFCON rarely allows fairy tales on demand. Cameroon closed out the match, and the final whistle confirmed another painful exit built on missed opportunities rather than a lack of effort.

What This Means For Bafana Going Forward

There is progress under Broos, and it is visible. The younger players are fearless, the structure is clearer, and Bafana are no longer just making up numbers at AFCON. But tournaments are remembered for moments, not patterns of play.

The frustration from fans online tells the story. Many praised the performance but questioned the finishing. Others pointed to the lack of composure in key moments. The consensus was clear. Bafana should have taken control when they were on top.

As Cameroon march on to face hosts Morocco in the quarter-finals of the Africa Cup of Nations, South Africa head home with lessons, regret, and that familiar AFCON feeling.

{Source:SABC Sports}

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