Echoes From The Past: Bafana Bafana Mark 30 years Of AFCON Glory

By: Bernard Nyankomago

In such a historic year where Senegal are still celebrating over their second continental glory, Footydreamsgh.com has also delved deep into archives searching for some vital AFCON tips.

It has emerged that on this day, 3rd February 1996 at the FNB Stadium in Johannesburg, the Bafana Bafana of South Africa defied all odds to beat Tunisia 2-0 for their maiden and only AFCON title.

The late President Nelson Mandela had fought gallantly to secure freedom from the Apartheid system and the opportunity came for them to host the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996.

There could not be any other means for the South Africans to celebrate their independence than hosting the 1996 AFCON. But it was always going to be a tough assignment for South Africa because teams like Tunisia, Ghana, Nigeria and co had come with great players.

South Africa could only boast of few players with names like Mark Fish and Benny McCarthy who later rose to become giants.

Though they enjoyed a great home support, many soccer pundits had tipped Tunisia as favourites for the ultimate but the end story was entirely different.

South Africa proved beyond reasonable doubt to carry the day in the presence of the late President Nelson Mandela, late CAF President Issah Hayatou and other host of dignitaries.

Below are some few records of the game:

Date: February 3, 1996

Venue: FNB Stadium, Johannesburg

Attendance: 80,000

Referee: Charles Massembé

Results: South Africa 2 Tunisia 0

Scorers: Mark Williams 73′ 75′

SOUTH AFRICA LINE UP:
Andre Arendse (1), Sizwe Motaung (2), Lucas Radebe (4), Mark Fish (5), Neil Tovey (9 C), Eric Tinkler (21), Linda Buthelezi (8), Doctor Khumalo (15), John Moshoeu (10), Phil Masinga (6), Shaun Bartlett (17).

SUBSTITUTES:
Helman Mkhalele (19), Mark Williams (11)

TUNISIA LINE UP:
1- Chokri El Ouaer (C), 14- Sabri Jaballah,
6- Ferid Chouchane, 4- Mounir Boukadida,
5- Hédi Berrekhissa, 20- Riadh Bouazizi 77th,
10- Kaïs Ghodhbane 46e, 12- Sofiane Fekih,
8- Zoubair Baya, 11- Adel Sellimi, 18- Mehdi Ben Slimane

SUBSTITUTES:
21- Lassaad Hanini, 9 – Abdelkader Ben Hassen