Rich history of the Bafana Bafana - Cameroon rivalry sets the stage for blockbuster showdown

Bafana Bafana’s Sunday AFCON clash serves as a reunion of sorts for coach Hugo Broos, who famously guided Cameroon to a remarkable fifth AFCON title in 2017.

The rich history between Bafana Bafana and Cameroon has set the stage for a Round of 16 blockbuster on Sunday.

In nine previous encounters, Bafana Bafana have won three, drawn five, and lost just once against Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions.

These statistics will undoubtedly bolster the confidence of the South African side as they prepare to face a team that has become emblematic of African football prowess.

Notably, the first international match for Bafana Bafana after their re-admittance to international football in 1992 was against Cameroon.

During that pivotal encounter in rain-swept Durban, a second-half penalty from the revered Doctor Khumalo secured South Africa’s inaugural victory.

The strong Cameroonian squad included the legendary player Roger Milla and several players who had previously dazzled at the 1990 World Cup, helping the team become the first African team to reach the quarterfinals.

The most recent showdown between the two teams occurred in 2016 during the AFCON Group M qualifiers.

In that series, the teams drew both fixtures over three days. One played in Cameroon (2-2) and the other in South Africa (0-0, with Broos in charge of the Indomitable Lions. The first clash in 2016 was the only time the two countries met on Cameroonian soil.

However, Bafana Bafana missed out on qualification for AFCON 2017 despite just one loss, while Cameroon advanced undefeated, creating a shadow of a rivalry that lingers as they prepare to meet again.

As the clock ticks down to Sunday’s pivotal Round of 16 clash, Broos has acknowledged the need to strengthen Bafana Bafana’s defence.

The team’s inconsistency in keeping clean sheets is a particular concern; they have allowed four goals in their first three games in this tournament.

“There is something like attacking football, but you have to defend very well, and we need to start looking after that to put it right,” Broos stated, reflecting on the coming fixture.

He has also expressed his dissatisfaction with specific player performances, citing a need for improved accountability and execution on the field as the team seeks to build on its progression over the past two years.

As they remain at their base camp in Marrakech this week, Bafana Bafana will travel to Rabat on Saturday, entirely focused on ending their knockout stage on a high against a formidable opponent.

With their remarkable history against Cameroon and Broos at the helm once again, South Africa will be eyeing a resurgence toward AFCON glory.