Banyana Banyana suffered their first defeat in the African Women’s Cup of Nations following their 1-0 loss against hosts Cameroon in Yaounde on Tuesday.

The South African Women’s national team got off to a bright start in the opening 15 minutes of the match with the likes of Bambanani Mbane, Andisiwe Mcgoyi, and Janine van Wyk threatening early on.

Mbane had a chance to open the scoring in the 16th minute but she could only guide her effort high over the crossbar as the score remained goalless.

Four minutes later and Cameroon responded when Gabrielle Aboudi won a free-kick in a promising position but she could only fire her attempt over the bar.

Mcgoyi had a golden opportunity to break the deadlock in the 31st minute but her header effort went just over the woodwork.

Heading into the break, neither side could create any clear cut chances at goal as the score remained goalless as the first 45 minutes came to an end.

Cameroon came out guns blazing in the second half when Aboundi wasted a chance to put the home side ahead as she blazed her shot straight into Thembi Kgatlana

However, Banyana Banyana were dealt a major blow in the 84th minute when Ngo Mbeleck finally broke the deadlock for the host.

Cameroon held on to their 1-0 until the final whistle at Ahmadou Ahidjo Stadium as the west Africans progressed to the semi-finals of the tournament.