The 1996 African Cup of Nations was the 20th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations, the football championship of Africa (CAF). 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
(holders)*
(hosts)
* 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
First round
Teams highlighted in green progress to the Quarter Finals.
Group A
Group B
Group C
withdrew, so their three matches were canceled. vs. , 16 January 1996 vs. , 19 January 1996 vs. , 25 January 1996
Group D
Knockout stage
Quarterfinals
Semifinals
Third place match
Final
Scorers
5 goals
Kalusha Bwalya
4 goals
John Moshoeu
Mark Williams
3 goals
Abedi Pele
Ahmed El-Kass
Imed Ben Younes
Dennis Lota
2 goals
Ali Meçabih
Quinzinho
François Omam-Biyik
Brice Mackaya
Tony Yeboah
Zoubeir Baya
Adel Sellimi
Johnson Bwalya
Kenneth Malitoli
1 goal
Billel Dziri
Tarek Lazizi
Khaled Lounici
Joni
Paulão
Aboubakari Ouédraogo
Youssouf Traoré
Boureima Zongo
Georges Mouyémé
Alphonse Tchami
Joël Tiéhi
Moussa Traoré
Samir Ibrahim
Ali Maher
Aurelien Bekogo
Guy Nzeng
Felix Aboagye
Charles Akonnor
Kwame Ayew
Mass Sarr Jr. Kelvin Sebwe Tico-Tico Mohamed Kallon John Gbassay Sessay Shaun Bartlett Mark Fish Phil Masinga Abdelkader Ben Hassen Hédi Berkhissa Kaies Ghodhbane Liombi Essende Roger Lukaku Elijah Litana Hillary Makasa Vincent Mutale
Own goal
Hélder Vicente (for Cameroon)