This Day in History: Bafana Bafana Momentously Lift 1996 Afcon Trophy

This Day in History: Bafana Bafana Momentously Lift 1996 Afcon Trophy

- On this day in 1996, Bafana Bafana successfully defeated Tunisia at the African Cup of Nations final

- Bafana held the trophy for the first time and it's now been 25 years since that glorious moment

- Since 1996, Bafana have been placed runner-up and third place in the African Cup of Nations in 1998 and 2000

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On 3 February, 1996, Bafana Bafana were victorious at the African Cup of Nations (Afcon). Mzansi hosted the soccer championship after replacing Kenya. South Africa won their first Afcon title after beating Tunisia 2-0 in the final.

Bafana Bafana formed part of Group A with Egypt, Cameroon and Angola. Captained by Neil Tovey, Bafana won their first Group A clash against Cameroon 3-0. It was the beginning of one of the greatest moments in SA history.

Qualifying for the Afcon has been rare in recent years. SA went from winning in 1996 to placing 16th just 10 years later in 2006.

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This day in history: Bafana Bafana raise trophy in 1996 Afcon
On 3 February 1996, South African became the African Cup of Nations champions. Image: Photo by Eric Renard / Onze / Icon Sport
Source: Getty Images

Following the 1996 Afcon win, Bafana came in as runners-up in 1998 and third place in 2000, according to SA History.

IOL recently reported that former coach Clive Barker and captain Neil Tovey are saddened that their win has yet to be replicated. Tovey believes that SA had 'lost the plot' after their 1996 Afcon win.

The report continued to say that Barker believed the 1996 team was 'fantastic' as they would go the extra mile for each other. It's now been 25 years since their win but South Africa has yet to feel the glory of raising the Afcon trophy once again.

This day in history: Bafana Bafana raise trophy in 1996 Afcon
1996 Bafana Bafana captain Neil Tovey celebrates his team's Afcon win alongside former President Nelson Mandela in Johannesburg. Image: Mykel Nicolaou / AFP
Source: Getty Images

In other historic South African sports news, Briefly.co.za previously reported on SA junior featherweight, Vuyani "The Beast" Bungu, lifting the International Boxing Federation (IBF) trophy in 1994.

Bungu was victorious against American, Kennedy McKinney. The victory gained Bungu both recognition and pride.

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Bungu is from Mdantsane outside East London and debuted in 1987 at the tender age of 20. He held the IBF title up until 1999. Bungu has still not made it into the boxing hall of fame, but social media users believe he should've made it in years ago. Bungu retired in 2005.

Bungu's legendary career has turned him into an icon and a role model to many.

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Source: Briefly News

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