Although Cameroon entered as the heavy favorites, South Africa are the ones who started the game stronger, dominating the early play. However, the momentum shifted completely in the 31st minute when Junior Tchamadeu found the back of the net following a corner kick.

In the second half, Cameroon capitalized immediately, doubling their lead in the first minute after the break with a goal from Christian Kofane, leaving their opponents stunned.

Despite the deficit, South Africa did not give up and managed to pull one back through Evidence Makgopa with just three minutes remaining in regulation. The final minutes were electric as Bafana Bafana were pushing for a miracle equalizer, but it never came. Cameroon will now face the host nation on Friday, January 9, in the quarterfinals.

Both national teams will star in one of the most balanced and attractive fixtures of this round, as they are two of the most renowned nations in Africa and both qualified in second place from their respective groups.

Bafana Bafana arrive at this encounter after finishing second in Group B with six points, behind Egypt, who took first place. The team managed by Hugo Broos secured a 2-1 victory over Angola in its debut, then fell 1-0 to Egypt, and achieved a dramatic 3-2 win against Zimbabwe in the final group stage match.

On the side of the Indomitable Lions, they also qualified as runners-up in Group F with seven points, trailing Ivory Coast, who surpassed them on goal difference. The team led by David Pagou began its journey with a 1-0 victory over Gabon, then drew 1-1 against Ivory Coast, and closed the group stage with a 3-2 win over Mozambique.

What happens if South Africa win vs Cameroon?

Should South Africa secure a victory this afternoon against Cameroon, they are set to earn direct qualification to the tournament’s quarterfinals. If Bafana Bafana advance, they will move on to face the winner of the Morocco vs Tanzania match—which is also taking place today, January 4—on Friday, January 9.

What happens if South Africa and Cameroon tie?

If the match ends in a draw during regulation time, it will proceed to extra time, which consists of two 15-minute halves. If the score remains level after this period, the team that advances to the next round will be determined through a penalty shootout.

What happens if South Africa lose vs Cameroon?

If the team led by Hugo Broos falls to Cameroon this afternoon, then the Indomitable Lions are set to advance to the next round. In that scenario, Cameroon would face either Morocco or Tanzania in the quarterfinals on January 9.

Having endured two intense games against Angola and Egypt, South Africa are eager to make amends with a standout performance against Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe, too, remains determined to advance and sees this as a critical opportunity to stay in contention.

The “Bafana Bafana” will lean on the prowess of their Premier League forward Lyle Foster, who plays for Burnley FC and was instrumental in securing their spot in the upcoming World Cup hosted in North America. Foster’s contributions, both offensively and defensively, will be vital.

Despite facing offensive struggles, Zimbabwe are eager to silence their critics with a surprise victory over South Africa. Still, this will be a daunting task, as Zimbabwe have failed to win any of their last five matches, managing only two draws.

What happens if South Africa win against Zimbabwe today?

If South Africa triumph over Zimbabwe in Matchday 3 of AFCON 2025, they will advance to the next round. Their final standing in Group B will hinge on the outcome of the Egypt versus Angola match.

Securing a victory by two or more goals and hoping for an Egypt loss could propel South Africa to the top of the group, helping them avoid a tough opponent in the subsequent phase.

What happens if South Africa tie with Zimbabwe today?

A draw against Zimbabwe will confirm South Africa’s advancement to the next round. However, they will need to keep an eye on Angola’s result. With Angola sitting on 1 point, a victory against Egypt today could challenge South Africa’s bid to secure the second spot in the rankings.

What happens if South Africa lose to Zimbabwe today?

If South Africa suffer a defeat, their progression hinges on Angola’s results. Depending on Angola’s outcome against Egypt, South Africa might qualify as one of the best third-placed teams. However, if Angola win, South Africa risks dropping to the bottom of the standings due to their loss to Zimbabwe.

Group B standings in 2025 AFCON

1. Egypt – 6 pts/+2 GD
2. South Africa – 3 pts/0 GD
3. Zimbabwe – 1 pt/-1 GD
4. Angola – 1 pt/-1 GD

[Watch Zimbabwe vs South Africa online in the US on Fubo]

South Africa enters a crucial Group B matchup holding second place with three points, but qualification is still far from secure after a loss to Egypt. A victory would settle the Bafana Bafana’s path, though they’ll be challenged by a Zimbabwe side playing with urgency.

Zimbabwe knows a win keeps its hopes alive and could move it into second if Angola falters against Egypt. With both teams under pressure and the standings hanging in the balance, this is a game with real consequences—don’t miss it.

When will the Zimbabwe vs South Africa match be played?

Zimbabwe play against South Africa for the Matchday 3 of the 2025/2026 Africa Cup of Nations group stage this Monday, December 29. The action is set to kick off at 11:00 AM (ET).

Zimbabwe vs South Africa: Time by State in the USA

ET: 11:00 AM
CT: 10:00 AM
MT: 9:00 AM
PT: 8:00 AM

How to watch Zimbabwe vs South Africa in the USA

Catch this 2025 Africa Cup of Nations clash between Zimbabwe and South Africa live in the USA, streaming on Fubo. Other options: Fanatiz USA, beIN SPORTS and beIN SPORTS Connect.

The match saw Egypt dominate possession early, creating several dangerous opportunities through Salah and Marmoush. South Africa defended deep but began to gain momentum in the second half, forcing Egypt to defend more cautiously. Key interventions from Elshenaway kept the lead intact.

South Africa had chances from set pieces and long-range efforts, but Egypt’s defense and goalkeeper stood tall. Egypt managed the final minutes effectively, maintaining control and preventing any clear scoring opportunities. The result leaves Egypt top of Group B as the tournament progresses.

[Watch Egypt vs South Africa online in the US on Fubo]

Group B’s headline matchup features Egypt and South Africa, two World Cup–qualified contenders widely expected to battle for the top spot. Both opened the Africa Cup of Nations with wins, as Egypt edged Zimbabwe 2–1 and South Africa claimed a confident 2–1 victory over Angola.

With Mohamed Salah leading the Pharaohs against their toughest test yet, against a South Africa that proved its credentials in the last WC Qualifiers, this clash shapes up as a high-stakes duel between the group’s clear favorites.

When will the Egypt vs South Africa match be played?

Egypt play against South Africa for the Matchday 2 of the 2025/2026 Africa Cup of Nations group stagethis Friday, December 26. The action is set to kick off at 10:00 AM (ET).

Egypt vs South Africa: Time by State in the USA

ET: 10:00 AM
CT: 9:00 AM
MT: 8:00 AM
PT: 7:00 AM

How to watch Egypt vs South Africa in the USA

Catch this 2025 Africa Cup of Nations clash between Egypt and South Africa live in the USA, streaming on Fubo. Other options: Fanatiz USA, beIN SPORTS, beIN SPORTS en Español and beIN SPORTS Connect.

[Watch Colombia U20 vs South Africa U20 online in the US on Fubo]

Two talented squads collide as Colombia and South Africa battle for a spot in the quarterfinals. Colombia impressed in the group stage, topping a tough pool that included Nigeria, Norway, and Saudi Arabia. South Africa also showed their quality, earning two wins in three matches to finish second in Group E.

The Colombians enter as favorites, but the South Africans have proven they can compete with anyone, setting the stage for a tightly contested matchup where either side could emerge victorious.

When will the Colombia U20 vs South Africa U20 match be played?

Colombia U20 take on South Africa U20 on Wednesday, October 8, for the 2025 U20 World Cup round of 16. The clash is scheduled to kick off at 3:30 PM (ET).

Colombia U20 vs South Africa U20: Time by State in the USA

ET: 3:30 PM
CT: 2:30 PM
MT: 1:30 PM
PT: 12:30 PM

How to watch Colombia U20 vs South Africa U20 in the USA

Don’t miss this exciting 2025 U20 World Cup match between Colombia U20 and South Africa U20 in the USA. Watch the match on Fubo. Other options: Amazon Prime Video, FOX One, Fox Soccer Plus.

[Watch South Africa U20 vs United States U20 online in the US on Fubo]

The group stage is heading into a thrilling conclusion, and the USA U20 team has positioned itself as a force to be reckoned with. After dominating New Caledonia 9-1 and following that with an impressive 3-0 victory over France, the Americans are aiming to finish strong against South Africa.

The South Africans, coming off a 5-0 win over New Caledonia but an opening loss to France, must deliver a big performance to keep their hopes of advancing alive, especially with France expected to handle New Caledonia. All eyes will be on this matchup as both teams fight for a spot in the next round.

When will the South Africa U20 vs United States U20 match be played?

South Africa U20 play against United States U20 on Sunday, October 5, for the Matchday 3 of the 2025 U20 World Cup group stage. The clash is scheduled to kick off at 4:00 PM (ET).

South Africa U20 vs United States U20: Time by State in the USA

ET: 4:00 PM
CT: 3:00 PM
MT: 2:00 PM
PT: 1:00 PM

How to watch South Africa U20 vs United States U20 in the USA

Don’t miss this exciting 2025 U20 World Cup match between South Africa U20 and United States U20 in the USA. Watch the match on Fubo. Other options: FS2, Telemundo, DirecTV Stream.

On Monday, FIFA stripped South Africa of its qualifying victory for the 2026 World Cup and cost the team first place in its group for fielding an ineligible player.

The disciplinary ruling overturned South Africa’s 2-0 win over Lesotho in March, moved Benin to the top of the group with two matchdays remaining, and gave Nigeria renewed hope of reaching the final stage.

Ahead of decisive qualifying games resuming next week, FIFA announced that its disciplinary judges ordered South Africa to forfeit the match as a 3-0 loss. Only the group winner on October 14 will advance directly to the World Cup, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. South Africa has not participated in a World Cup since hosting the 2010 edition.

The player fielded by South Africa

South Africa selected Teboho Mokoena for the game in Polokwane, even though the midfielder should have served a one-game suspension for accumulating yellow cards in two previous qualifying matches.

The administrative error is embarrassing for South Africa, as its top soccer official, Patrice Motsepe, serves as FIFA vice president and is the elected president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Motsepe also owns the Mamelodi Sundowns club, where Mokoena plays.

What South Africa can do and their fine

FIFA stated that the South African Soccer Association can appeal the decision to annul the match. The governing body also fined the federation 10,000 Swiss francs (about $12,500), and Mokoena received a formal warning.

Benin rises in four-team race

Without the three points—and a negative five-goal swing in goal difference—South Africa falls below new group leader Benin. The teams are level on points, three ahead of Nigeria and Rwanda, but Benin holds a one-goal advantage in goal difference over South Africa.

Benin will face Rwanda on October 10 before traveling to Nigeria, which is chasing its seventh World Cup appearance and its first since Russia 2018. Nigeria also must play Lesotho. The group runner-up could advance to a four-team African playoff in November, which will determine which side progresses to an intercontinental playoff in March at North American venues.

[Watch France U20 vs South Africa U20 online in the US on Fubo]

France U20 kicks off its campaign as one of the tournament’s headline squads, boasting a roster stacked with emerging talent and expectations of a deep run. The French side will be eager to set the tone with a strong opening performance.

But standing in their way is a South Africa U20 team motivated to make a statement of its own. With the senior national team on the verge of reclaiming a World Cup spot, the younger group carries that momentum and is determined to showcase its progress on the global stage.

When will the France U20 vs South Africa U20 match be played?

France U20 will face South Africa U20 on Monday, September 29, for the Matchday 1 of the 2025 U20 World Cup group stage. The clash is scheduled to kick off at 4:00 PM (ET).

France U20 vs South Africa U20: Time by State in the USA

ET: 4:00 PM
CT: 3:00 PM
MT: 2:00 PM
PT: 1:00 PM

How to watch France U20 vs South Africa U20 in the USA

Don’t miss this exciting 2025 U20 World Cup match between France U20 and South Africa U20 in the USA. Watch the match on Fubo. Other options: DirecTV Stream, FS2, FOX Sports App, Telemundo.

Bernard Diomede’s players aim to follow in the footsteps of Pogba, Thauvin, Digne, Areola, and Umtiti, who lifted the U-20 World Cup in 2013. That generation went on to become World Cup champions at the senior level in 2018, showing how this tournament can shape future success.

France’s group looks favorable on paper, given their stature as one of the world’s elite national sides. The team has spent years building a reputation as one of the strongest programs in international soccer, and expectations are naturally high heading into this competition.

Group E is made up of the United States, New Caledonia, France, and South Africa. On paper, the draw seems accessible, but as history shows, soccer is unpredictable and surprises are always possible.

Why will Doue not be available for France?

Although the Bleuets enter the competition with ambition, they do so without many of their top players. Because the U-20 World Cup falls outside FIFA’s official calendar, clubs are not required to release their players, and many have chosen to hold them back. As a result, some of France’s most promising talents born after January 1, 2005, have been kept with their clubs instead of traveling to Chile.

Desire Doue (20 years old, four senior caps), currently sidelined by injury, and Warren Zaire-Emery (19 years old, seven senior caps) remain available for Luis Enrique at PSG. They are far from the only absences weakening Diomede’s squad.

France are also missing other exciting young players based at top European clubs. Lenny Yoro at Manchester United and Mathys Tel at Tottenham were withheld, while fullbacks Sael Kumbedi (Wolfsburg) and Jeanuel Belocian (Bayer Leverkusen) are also unavailable. PSG prospect Senny Mayulu, who scored in the Champions League final, is another name left out. The list of absentees shows just how many stars could have lit up this tournament.