The Indomitable Lions sit just a couple of places above South Africa in the FIFA world rankings, but that gap has done little to dent the confidence in the Bafana camp. Hugo Broos’ charges believe they have what it takes to book a place in the quarter-finals of the continental showpiece.

It is a straight shoot-out on Sunday evening. There are no second chances at this stage of the tournament - win and march on, lose and go home. For Broos, though, this clash carries extra weight and more than a touch of personal significance.

Cameroon last lifted the AFCON trophy in 2017, claiming their fifth title, and it was Broos who was in charge at the time. Now 73, the Belgian is coaching at the Africa Cup of Nations for the final time and is determined to ensure his current side, Bafana Bafana, extend their stay in Morocco.

South Africa came through the group stages in relatively good shape and were unlucky to go down 1–0 to Egypt, but there are lingering concerns at the back. 

Bafana are yet to keep a clean sheet, having conceded four goals across their three group matches – a statistic that will worry them against a Cameroonian side known for its physicality and firepower.

Broos said while the game and Cameroon are special to him personal feelings are set aside and they will go in all guns blazing for the win.

“It’s a special game for me. As you know, I won the Africa Cup of Nations with our opponent of tomorrow, although there aren’t too many of the same players in their current team.

“Tomorrow, I can’t have mercy on Cameroon, even though what we achieved together will always have a special place in my heart.”

Despite his successful spell with the West African giants and the fact his contract was not renewed, Broos insists there is no sense of revenge driving him or his players.

Bafana Bafana supporters. Photo: Morgan Piek

“Why should I have revenge? I simply reached the end of my contract and it was not renewed. That was about eight years ago. There’s no revenge in this.”

Should Bafana Bafana pull off a famous win on Sunday night, they are likely to face tournament hosts and Africa’s top-ranked side, Morocco, in the quarter-finals. 

The Atlas Lions, who reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar, take on Tanzania’s Taifa Stars earlier on Sunday at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

The Last 16 clash between South Africa and Cameroon will kick off at 21:00 at the Agdal Medina Stadium in Rabat, with a place in the quarter-finals firmly on the line.

 OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg