1996 Africa Cup of Nations


The 1996 Africa Cup of Nations was the 20th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, the soccer championship of Africa. It was hosted by South Africa, who replaced original hosts Kenya. The field expanded for the first time to 16 teams, split into four groups of four; the top two teams in each group advancing to the quarterfinals. However, Nigeria withdrew from the tournament at the final moment under pressure from then-dictator Sani Abacha, reducing the field to 15. South Africa won its first championship, beating Tunisia in the final 2–0.

Qualified teams

For full qualification see: 1996 African Cup of Nations qualification
* Nigeria withdrew prior to the start of the finals. Guinea, as the best side to not qualify, was offered Nigeria's spot in the finals, but declined due to a lack of preparation time.

Squads

Venues


Johannesburg
Durban
FNB Stadium
Kings Park Stadium

Capacity: 80,000
Capacity: 52,000
Bloemfontein
Port Elizabeth
Free State Stadium
EPRU Stadium

Capacity: 40,000
Capacity: 33,852

First round

Teams highlighted in green progress to the Quarter Finals.

Group A

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Group B

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Group C

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withdrew, so their three matches were canceled.
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Knockout stage

Quarterfinals

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Semifinals

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Third place match

Final

Scorers

5 goals
4 goals
3 goals
2 goals
1 goal
Own goal
Goalkeeper
Defenders
Midfielders
Forwards