25 years on: South Africa’s first (and only) Africa Cup of Nations title

LIMPOPO – On 3 February 1996, with former President Nelson Mandela in attendance, South Africa faced Tunisia in the final at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg. Both goals were scored by substitute Mark Williams, in the 73rd and 75th minute respectively.

⏪ 25 years ago today @NelsonMandela & fellow South Africans were in ecstasy! A thilling side including Fish, Radebe, Tovey, Tinkler, 'Shoes', Khumalo, Masinga, Bartlett & Williams helped @BafanaBafana, playing in their 1st #AFCON, conquer Africa in front of 80,000 in Joburg 🇿🇦🏆 pic.twitter.com/WiCIR4M1ie

— FIFA (@FIFAcom) February 3, 2021

A multiracial crowed of 80 000 odd people attended the spectacular and the Bafana Bafana line-up featured a number of South African sporting heroes such as Lucas Radebe, Mark Fish and Doctor Khumalo.

Route to the final

South Africa were grouped with Egypt, Cameroon and Angola, while Tunisia had to face Ghana, Ivory Coast and Mozambique in their group matches.

Bafana Bafana’s 3-0 victory over Cameroon and 1-0 victory over Angola saw them clinch top spot in their group, having only lost one game (a 1-0 defeat to Egypt). South Africa and Egypt finished level on points, however, South Africa had a better goal difference.

The next obstacle South Africa had to conquer en route to Africa Cup of Nations glory, was Algeria in the quarterfinals. Bafana Bafana managed to beat Algeria 2-1 and faced Ghana, who finished top of their group, in the semi-final.

A comfortable 3-0 victory sent Bafana Bafana to the final against Tunisia, who saw off Gabon and Zambia on their road to the final.

On this day in 1996 Bafana Bafana were crowned African Cup of Nations Champions.

What are some of your memories from this day? How old were you? Where were you watching the game?😅

Tell us on the comments section below 👇🏽🇿🇦💚💛#BafanaBafana #ClassOf1996 pic.twitter.com/riB8ph9MYQ

— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) February 3, 2021