South Africa vs Cameroon: A Rivalry Forged in History

South Africa and Cameroon share a unique and compelling football history. Their rivalry is not just about the scoreline; it is rooted in a pivotal moment for South African sport. In fact, the Indomitable Lions were Bafana Bafana’s very first opponent after their readmission to international football in 1992. Since then, the two nations have clashed ten times, with South Africa holding a slight edge. They have secured three victories, suffered only one loss, and played out six draws, creating a history of tight, unpredictable encounters.

A Historic Beginning: The 1992 Friendlies

When South Africa returned to the global football stage, Cameroon was the perfect opponent. Fresh from their thrilling run to the 1990 World Cup quarterfinals, the Indomitable Lions provided a stern test. The first of three friendly matches in July 1992 was a landmark occasion.

A dynamic action shot of two football players competing for the ball on a dimly lit pitch, rendered in a dark, atmospheric style with subtle lime green highlights. The focus is on the intensity of the moment.

Played in Durban, the match was a tense affair that ultimately ended in a 1-0 victory for the home side. The legendary Doctor Khumalo etched his name into history by scoring South Africa’s first-ever international goal from the penalty spot in the 82nd minute. However, Cameroon quickly responded just two days later in Cape Town. Despite falling behind to an own goal, a brace from Jacob Ewane secured a 2-1 win for the visitors, their only victory against South Africa to date.

The AFCON Stage: From Glory to Grinding Draws

While their rivalry began with friendlies, their meetings in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) have produced some of their most memorable moments. From a stunning tournament opener to hard-fought qualification battles, these matches have always carried significant weight.

1996: A Tournament Opener to Remember

The opening game of the 1996 AFCON, hosted by South Africa, saw the two nations meet in their only tournament finals match so far. Bafana Bafana delivered a commanding performance at Soccer City in Johannesburg. Goals from Phil Masinga, Mark Williams, and John Moshoeu powered them to a comprehensive 3-0 victory. This incredible start consequently set the tone for South Africa’s historic campaign, which saw them lift their first and only continental trophy.

A vibrant image of a crowded football stadium at night, with a focus on the glowing green pitch and the energy of the crowd, conveying the excitement of a major AFCON match.

The 2016 Qualifiers: A Tale of Two Draws

Two decades later, their paths crossed again in the qualifiers for the 2017 AFCON. The first leg in Limbe, Cameroon, was an absolute thriller, ending in a 2-2 draw. Most notably, the match is remembered for Hlompho Kekana’s spectacular long-range goal, a stunning strike from inside his own half.

Hlompho Kekana scoring his famous long-range goal for South Africa against Cameroon, highlighted in lime green.

The return fixture in Durban three days later was a much tighter contest. It finished in a goalless 0-0 draw, demonstrating the typically close nature of their encounters.

Head-to-Head: The Full Story in Numbers

Overall, the record between South Africa and Cameroon highlights a very evenly matched rivalry. A remarkable number of their games have ended in a stalemate, particularly in recent years. South Africa can, however, take pride in the fact that they have never lost a competitive fixture to the Indomitable Lions.

Here is a summary of their ten encounters:

July 7, 1992: South Africa 1-0 Cameroon (Friendly)
July 9, 1992: South Africa 1-2 Cameroon (Friendly)
July 11, 1992: South Africa 2-2 Cameroon (Friendly)
Jan 13, 1996: South Africa 3-0 Cameroon (AFCON Finals)
Nov 19, 2008: South Africa 3-2 Cameroon (Friendly)
Jan 10, 2015: Cameroon 1-1 South Africa (Friendly)
Mar 26, 2016: Cameroon 2-2 South Africa (AFCON Qualifier)
Mar 29, 2016: South Africa 0-0 Cameroon (AFCON Qualifier)

Infographic showing the head-to-head record between South Africa and Cameroon: 10 matches, 3 wins for South Africa, 1 for Cameroon, and 6 draws.

A Rivalry of Respect and Resilience

The footballing relationship between South Africa and Cameroon is built on mutual respect and fierce competition. From Bafana Bafana’s symbolic return to the world stage to memorable AFCON clashes, their matches are rarely dull. With a history dominated by draws and narrow victories, any future meeting promises another chapter in this fascinating African football story. As both teams continue to evolve, fans across the continent and the world will be watching closely the next time these two giants collide.