Continental Clash: The '96 Africa Cup of Nations Unveiled
An analytical exploration of the 20th edition of Africa's premier football championship, hosted in South Africa, detailing teams, venues, match results, and tournament statistics.
Tournament Overview 👇 Key Matches 🏆Dive in with Flashcard Learning!
🎮 Play the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge Game🎮
Tournament Overview
Host Nation
The 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, also known as the Coca-Cola 1996 Africa Cup of Nations for sponsorship reasons, was the 20th edition of the championship. It was notably hosted by South Africa, who stepped in to replace the original hosts, Kenya. This marked a significant moment for South African football following its return to international competition.
Expanded Field & Withdrawal
For the first time in its history, the tournament expanded its field to accommodate 16 teams, divided into four groups of four. However, a late withdrawal by Nigeria, under political pressure from its then-dictator Sani Abacha, reduced the final participant count to 15. This alteration presented unique challenges and adjustments for the tournament structure.
Victorious Host
South Africa emerged as the champions, securing their first-ever Africa Cup of Nations title. They achieved this historic victory by defeating Tunisia 2-0 in a compelling final match, solidifying their status as a dominant force in African football.
Qualified Teams
Qualification Process
The qualification process involved teams competing in regional groups to secure their spots. South Africa qualified automatically as hosts. Nigeria qualified as holders but withdrew. The table below details the participating nations and their qualification routes.
Tournament Venues
Johannesburg
The iconic FNB Stadium in Johannesburg served as a primary venue, boasting a capacity of 80,000 spectators. It hosted several key matches, including group stage games and crucial knockout fixtures.
Durban
Kings Park Stadium in Durban, with a capacity of 52,000, was another significant venue. It provided a vibrant atmosphere for the matches played there, contributing to the tournament's overall appeal.
Bloemfontein
The Free State Stadium in Bloemfontein, with a capacity of 40,000, hosted matches in Group C and some knockout stage games, offering a central location for fans in the Free State province.
Port Elizabeth
EPRU Stadium in Port Elizabeth, with a capacity of 33,852, completed the quartet of venues, hosting matches from Group D and contributing to the geographical spread of the tournament across South Africa.
Group Stage Standings
The initial phase of the tournament saw teams competing in four groups. The top two teams from each group advanced to the knockout stage. Here are the final standings:
Group A
Group B
Group C
Group D
Knockout Stage Progression
The tournament culminated in a series of high-stakes knockout matches, determining the continental champion.
Tournament Statistics
Matches Played
A total of 29 matches were contested throughout the tournament, providing ample action and drama for football enthusiasts.
Goals Scored
The tournament witnessed an average of 2.69 goals per match, with a total of 78 goals scored across all games, indicating an exciting and attacking style of play.
Attendance
The event drew significant crowds, with a total attendance of 640,880 spectators, averaging 22,099 per match, reflecting strong local and regional support.
Top Scorer
Kalusha Bwalya of Zambia emerged as the tournament's top scorer, netting an impressive 5 goals.
Best Player
Kalusha Bwalya was also recognized for his outstanding performance, being named the best player of the tournament.
Teacher's Corner
Edit and Print this course in the Wiki2Web Teacher Studio

Click here to open the "1996 African Cup Of Nations" Wiki2Web Studio curriculum kit
Use the free Wiki2web Studio to generate printable flashcards, worksheets, exams, and export your materials as a web page or an interactive game.
True or False?
Test Your Knowledge!
Gamer's Corner
Are you ready for the Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge?
Unlock the mystery image and prove your knowledge by earning trophies. This simple game is addictively fun and is a great way to learn!
Play now
References
References
Feedback & Support
To report an issue with this page, or to find out ways to support the mission, please click here.
Disclaimer
Important Notice
This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.
This is not professional sports analysis or advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional consultation regarding sports statistics, history, or event analysis. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs.
The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.