With a potential date against hosts Morocco on the horizon, Hugo Broos and David Pagou have revealed their starting XIs—and there are some massive surprises that have fans talking!
The Lineups: Bold Moves and Tactical Gambles
Hugo Broos has opted for an "all-out attack" 4-3-3 formation, rewarding the youngsters who shone in the group stages. The biggest talking point? Relebohile Mofokeng gets the nod to start, bringing raw pace and creativity to a front three that looks designed to terrify the Cameroonian defense.
On the other side, Cameroon has set up in a pragmatic 3-4-2-1. Despite fitness concerns, captain Nouhou Tolo starts, anchoring a back three that will need to be at its absolute best to stop the South African transition.
Official South Africa XI (4-3-3)
Official Cameroon XI (3-4-2-1)
Match Analysis: The "Broos" Factor
The narrative of this match is impossible to ignore. Hugo Broos, the man who led Cameroon to their 2017 AFCON title, is now the architect looking to dismantle them.
"There is no room for sentimentality," Broos stated ahead of the match. "We know their strengths, but we have the speed to hurt them."
Key Battles to Watch:
• Lyle Foster vs. Che Malone: Foster has been clinical this tournament, and his physical battle with Malone will likely decide if Bafana can find the back of the net.
• Bryan Mbeumo vs. Ronwen Williams: Mbeumo is the creative heartbeat for the Indomitable Lions. Williams, the hero of the 2023 edition, will need another masterclass to keep him at bay.
Historical Context
History favors South Africa in this specific fixture. The last time these two met in an AFCON finals was in 1996—a match Bafana Bafana won 3-0 on their way to the trophy. Furthermore, Cameroon has never beaten South Africa in a competitive match, with the majority of their encounters ending in draws.
Will the Indomitable Lions finally break the curse, or will Broos’ young Bafana side continue their "Giant Killing" streak?