Rabat: Bafana Bafana have bowed out of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament following a defeat by Cameroon at the Al Medina Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, in the Last 16 stage of the tournament.

According to South African Government News Agency, the match saw goals from Cameroon's Junior Tchamadeu in the 34th minute and Christian Kofane shortly after the second half resumed, giving Cameroon a significant advantage. South Africa's Evidence Makgopa managed to score two minutes from regulation time, but it was not enough to change the outcome.

The South African Football Association (SAFA) expressed their disappointment, with SAFA stating the team had created several opportunities that could have altered the result had they been successful. Coach Hugo Broos shared similar sentiments, noting that the team had a solid plan, particularly in the first half where they had multiple chances to seize control of the match.

In a social media post, the government acknowledged the team's efforts in the match against Cameroon, expressing gratitude for their commitment and the support from South Africans. Despite the loss, the team is set to return to their base in Marrakech before heading back to South Africa.

Bafana Bafana's journey in the AFCON saw them reach the knockout stages after qualifying in December 2025, an achievement that was celebrated by the government at the time.