Hugo Broos has opted for a tactical shift ahead of South Africa’s Round of 16 AFCON 2025 match against Cameroon. The Bafana Bafana coach will field a back-three formation to mirror the Indomitable Lions’ style, hoping to neutralize the African heavyweights’ attacking threat.
The knockout tie kicks off at 21:00 local time at Al Medina Stadium in Rabat and will be broadcast live on SABC 2.
Mofokeng Steps Into Playmaker Role
One of the most talked-about changes sees Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng taking the number 10 role, replacing Sipho Mbule. Mofokeng, who has mostly been used off the bench during the group stage, gets his first start in a crucial knockout match.
Broos has also refreshed the squad with Samukelo Kabini, Nkosinathi Sibisi, and Bathusi Aubaas coming in for Aubrey Modiba, Sphephelo Sithole, and Tshepang Moremi.
Meanwhile, some players retained their spots after the hard-fought 3-2 win over Zimbabwe, including Ronwen Williams, Khuliso Mudau, Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Siyabonga Ngezana, Teboho Mokoena, Oswin Appollis, and Lyle Foster.
The confirmed starting eleven:
Williams, Sibisi, Ngezana, Mbokazi, Mudau, Mokoena, Aubaas, Kabini, Appollis, Mofokeng, Foster.
Sibisi and Kabini will experience AFCON 2025 action for the first time, while Aubaas and Mofokeng look to build on their earlier substitute appearances.
Journey to the Round of 16
Bafana Bafana’s path to the knockouts has been anything but smooth. South Africa finished second in Group B, securing wins against Angola (2-1) and Zimbabwe (3-2) while losing narrowly to Egypt (0-1).
Key contributions came from Oswin Appollis and Lyle Foster, who each scored twice during the group stage, proving decisive in tight moments.
At the back, Orlando Pirates’ Mbekezeli Mbokazi impressed with consistent performances in central defence, helping to stabilize the team after a shaky start.
Historical Edge Favors South Africa
South Africa enters the match with a strong record against Cameroon. Out of nine previous encounters, Bafana Bafana have lost only once and have never been beaten in competitive fixtures.
The most memorable clash remains the 3-0 victory at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, a win that still resonates in South African football history.
Looking Ahead: Potential Morocco Showdown
The winner of tonight’s match will face hosts Morocco, who secured a narrow 1-0 win over Tanzania earlier in the day.
For Broos and his men, the stakes are high, but history and tactical adjustments offer hope as they aim to continue their AFCON journey.
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