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AFCON Countdown – SA’s Magical 1996 Triumph Still Echoes Across the Continent – 2025 Africa Cup of Nations
South Africa manager Clive Barker celebrates
Tuesday Dec 16, 2025. 13:53
As Africa prepares for another dramatic chapter in its premier football competition, it’s impossible not to revisit one of the tournament’s most iconic moments: South Africa’s unforgettable debut and triumphant run at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.
At a time when a newly unified nation was finding its identity, Bafana Bafana rose spectacularly to the occasion, capturing the continent’s imagination and uniting millions in celebration.
Originally slated to take place in Kenya, the tournament shifted to South Africa after a late change in hosting. Few foresaw the magnitude of what was about to unfold. It was South Africa’s first AFCON appearance—a symbolic fresh start for a team emerging from years of sporting isolation.
Yet under the inspirational leadership of coach Clive Barker, Bafana Bafana did far more than participate. They produced one of African football’s most romantic and uplifting stories.
Led by captain Neil Tovey, the squad combined resilience, skill and unwavering belief. Defensive stalwarts Lucas Radebe and Mark Fish shielded goalkeeper Andre Arendse with authority and composure. In midfield, Doctor Khumalo, John “Shoes” Moshoeu and Eric Tinkler dictated play, blending artistry with relentless work ethic. Up front, Shaun Bartlett, Phil Masinga and, ultimately, Mark Williams—hero of the final—carried the nation’s hopes with determination.
South Africa’s path through the competition was marked by intensity and rising confidence. Group-stage wins against Cameroon and Angola signalled their intent, while a narrow loss to Egypt provided valuable lessons. The quarterfinal against Algeria tested their mettle, but goals from Fish and Moshoeu secured a 2–1 victory. Then came a dazzling semifinal performance: a 3–0 triumph over Ghana, one of the continent’s strongest teams, with Moshoeu once again instrumental. The dream was suddenly within reach.
The final at Soccer City in Johannesburg unfolded in front of a sea of gold and green. The atmosphere carried the weight of history and hope. Tunisia proved determined opponents, but the moment belonged to South Africa. When Mark Williams struck twice in the second half, the stadium—and the nation—erupted. The final whistle confirmed a storybook ending: Bafana Bafana were champions of Africa.
That trophy lift beneath the summer sky became more than a sporting achievement—it stood as a symbol of unity, renewal and shared pride. Nearly three decades later, the triumph of 1996 endures as one of African football’s defining memories, a moment when the Rainbow Nation shone at its brightest and its collective voice echoed across the continent.
As the next generation prepares for AFCON 2025, the spirit of 1996 remains a reminder of the tournament’s power—to inspire, to unite and to create legends that last for generations.
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US Open 2026 results: Alfie Hewett wins fifth men’s wheelchair singles title in New York
Britain’s Alfie Hewett beat Tokito Oda to clinch a fifth US Open men’s wheelchair singles title and prevent the Japanese top seed from completing a clean sweep at the Grand Slams in 2026.
A 6-0 7-6 (7-5) victory meant Hewett added to the doubles title he won alongside fellow Briton Gordon Reid on Friday.
Hewett, 28, lost to Oda in the finals of the French Open and Wimbledon earlier this year, winning only two games in a 6-1 6-1 defeat at SW19, while the Japanese also triumphed at January’s Australian Open.
Hewett told BBC Sport that his loss to Oda at Wimbledon made him “look in the mirror” and a period of reflection led to him wanting to “be a little bit more like me” as he pursued an 11th Grand Slam singles title.
“I’m known for being just as fearless, brave and courageous in big moments and I felt I was everything but that in Wimbledon,” Hewett said.
“I was quiet, I was timid, I was a shell of myself.
“I think I have had six weeks of champing at the bit to come out and prove to myself that I can be more like that person.”
Hewett described his first-set performance as “possessed” as, after saving a break point in the opening game, he produced a dominant display, clinching the opener with a superb backhand return winner.
The Briton secured victory in a second-set tie-break, having fought back from a double break down and saved three set points for Oda to level the match.
Oda, who had won the past six Grand Slam singles titles, said on court: “Definitely I was trying to get the calendar year [Grand Slam] this year.
“This was the last part of it so it’s really tough for me, but I think Alfie deserved it today.”
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England vs Pakistan player ratings: Has Jordan Cox given selectors food for thought?
Emilio Gay – 6 – A gritty Test-best of 60 in tricky batting conditions in the first innings looked to have gone some way towards securing his place on the plane for a winter tour of South Africa, only for a duck next time round to bring back some uncertainty. (Series – 6)
Ben Duckett – 2 – A miserable end to the summer for the opener who will now come under some scrutiny. Made 11 and zero in this match and finishes this three-Test series well down the averages with a disappointing 44 runs at 8.8. (Series – 2)
Jordan Cox – 7 – A cheap dismissal in the first innings but made a nerveless unbeaten 59 to take the sting out of Pakistan after a wobble in the chase. A particularly impressive effort with the gloves – taking five dismissals – after being called upon to keep following Jamie Smith’s injury may have given the selectors food for thought in the role. (Series – 7)
Joe Root – 7 – Question marks over his captaincy during Pakistan’s second innings, but got England over the line with 62 not out. A 10th lbw in 14 innings suggests a technical tweak which still needs to be ironed out by England’s all-time leading run-scorer. (Series – 7)
Harry Brook – 7 – Batted with real discipline and focus at a time when Pakistan had a foothold in the game on day one. His most mature Test knock this year. Ran himself out on 75 when a century beckoned but forgivable given the application he showed earlier. Finishes as leading run-scorer in the series with 215 runs at 53.75. (Series – 8)
Dan Lawrence – 7 – Having been shunted around the order the Surrey all-rounder batted with the kind of confidence to suggest he might deserve a sustained run in the middle during a measured 65. Bowling underused but a not-too-shabby batting average of 46.75 will help his winter touring prospects. (Series – 7)
Jamie Smith – 6 – Not quite back to his fluent best but will be satisfied to notch up useful half-centuries in consecutive Tests. Kept reasonably well in Pakistan’s first innings before a finger injury kept him off the field in the second. (Series – 6)
Gus Atkinson – 6 – Wicketless in the first innings and it initially looked like it was going to be another hard-luck tale. However, he shook off the weariness and a change to the City End allowed him to pocket three wickets to lighten his mood. (Series – 5)
Jofra Archer – 7 – Took a bit of tap in the second innings but bowled with plenty of zip and aggression throughout. A brutal ball to dismiss Saud Shakeel was a reminder of his menace. England will be desperate to keep him fit and firing during a pivotal 12 months. (Series – 8)
Ollie Robinson – 8 – Is their anyone better with a Dukes ball in English conditions? Another masterclass in control. England’s tone-setter finishes the series with 21 wickets at a miserly 8.76. A breezy half-century on day two also entertained the crowd. (Series – 9)
Josh Tongue – 7 – Mopped up the tourists’ lower order in the first innings with 4-42. Healthy returns in all three Tests – 19 wickets in all – and continues to look a vital cog in the machine. (Series – 8)
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Garcia vs Benn: WBC welterweight title fight predictions from fighters and pundits
Conor Benn returns to welterweight for the first time since April 2022 to challenge WBC champion Ryan Garcia in Las Vegas.
The 29-year-old Briton is bidding for the crowning moment of his 10-year professional career at T-Mobile Arena.
Benn has won 25 of his 26 fights as a professional and would emulate his father, Nigel, by claiming a WBC title with another victory.
Garcia, 28, is making the first defence of his belt after beating Mario Barrios by decision in February.
The American has picked up 25 victories in his 28-fight career, earning 20 of those wins by knockout, while losing two, with one no-contest.
Live text commentary will begin on Sunday, 13 September at 03:00 BST on the BBC Sport website and app.
BBC Sport spoke to figures from the boxing world to get their predictions for the bout.
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CK Updates10 hours agoEngland vs Pakistan player ratings: Has Jordan Cox given selectors food for thought?
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CK Updates16 hours agoGarcia vs Benn: WBC welterweight title fight predictions from fighters and pundits

