South Africa at the Africa Cup of Nations


Although South Africa participated in the Africa Cup of Nations much later than many African countries, as they participated for the first time as host of 1996 edition, South Africa has soon established itself as an emerging African power. The first edition South Africa participated was a complete success, with the team conquered their first, and only African trophy, on their debut. Since then, South Africa continues to participate and remains a reckoned force, though success has been elusive since 2000s. Outside the 1996 edition, South Africa also hosted 2013 Africa Cup of Nations and managed to advance to the quarter-finals. They again reached the quarter-finals in the 2019 edition of the tournament.

Africa Cup of Nations

Match history

Top goalscorers

is the first player to score for South Africa at Africa Cup of Nations.
Benni McCarthy is the first and only player to score hat-trick for South Africa at Africa Cup of Nations.
is South African all-time top goalscorer of Africa Cup of Nations.
No.NameGoalsAfrica Cup of Nations
1Benni McCarthy71998
2Shaun Bartlett61996 and 2000
3Siyabonga Nomvethe52000 ; 2002 and 2004
4John Moshoeu41996
4Mark Williams41996

Squads