AFCON stories: 1996 the only crown for South Africa yet!

February 3, 1996. This date remains to this day the most beautiful moment in the history of South African football. At the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, the Bafana Bafana lifted the 1996 AFCON trophy against all odds. A moment of joy, of madness in the streets, of post-apartheid gathering, of consecration for Nelson Mandela and his followers, but which should never have taken place.

Indeed, South Africa was simply not qualified for the competition. Kenya, which was the designated host country, declined in November 1994 when South Africa, which had emerged from apartheid four years earlier, was designated. The tournament must also be the first after the change from 12 to 16 teams. But there again, an unforeseen event arises: Nigeria declares its withdrawal.

Williams, the hero of an entire nation

Previously absent from the AFCON due to apartheid, South Africa makes its first appearance in the big stage of African football. And for this debut, at home, the rainbow nation does not tremble during the inaugural match with a 3-0 success against Cameroon, then, the luminary of continental football. Then comes the 1-0 victory against Angola. And despite a 0-1 defeat against Egypt in the last match, South Africa finished first in group A ahead of the Pharaohs.

The knockout phase begins with a 2-1 victory over Algeria in the quarter-finals. Then, in the semis, South Africa offers a 3-0 recital against another star of the continent, Ghana. In the final, the Bafana Bafana beat Tunisia 2-0 thanks to a brace from Mark Williams. The latter, author of 4 goals in the tournament, offers the first title to his national team. 

Mandela, the planetary symbol

This emotion comes from the fact that the South African president at the time is none other than Nelson Mandela. He who, captured for his positions against apartheid for nearly three decades, stood up for an entire people and acceded to the supreme magistracy in South Africa in 1994, two years after the abolition of apartheid, and two years before this continental consecration. Seeing him in triumph , his eyes glowing, between the black and white players of the team, undoubtedly gave meaning to his years of struggle.

A symbol that marked an entire generation and which is, for posterity, associated with the first and only title of South Africa in AFCON history.