David Pagou applauds players' focus after Cameroon overcome Bafana Bafana

The win secured their place in the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco on Sunday.

The Indomitable Lions struck at crucial moments, with Junior Tchamadeu opening the scoring in the 34th minute before Christian Kofane doubled the lead shortly after the restart. Evidence Makgopa pulled one back late on for Bafana Bafana, but it proved too little, too late.

Pagou admitted the road to the last eight had not been easy, but praised his players for sticking to the plan under pressure.

"We are of course excited with the result. We have had quite a hectic assignment which we have successfully completed," Pagou told CAF Media.

"We are striving to improve and collectively working together in progressing the team. We are keeping a positive state of mind, and that is playing a key role in our team."

On the opposite bench, South Africa coach Hugo Broos felt the result did not reflect the performance of his side, who bowed out of the tournament at the Round of 16 stage.

"Our team did not deserve to lose tonight," Broos said.

"This is not the result we came for, but that's football. We will now focus on our future objectives, with the World Cup in our sights."

Bafana Bafana will return to their base in Marrakech before travelling back to South Africa, while Cameroon prepare for a heavyweight quarterfinal showdown against Morocco, who edged Tanzania 1-0 to book their place in the last eight.