South Africa at AFCON: How Bafana Bafana Fared When They Reached the Knockout Round in the Past

• South Africa qualified for the knockout round after finishing second in Group E
• They have reached the knockouts of the Africa Cup of Nations six times before
• Bafana Bafana won their one and only AFCON title in a dream run back in 1996

South Africa sent their fans into a frenzy when they qualified for the last 16 of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations on Wednesday.

It was the first time since 2019 that Bafana Bafana reached the knockout stage of the AFCON.

As their last-16 showdown with Morocco draws ever closer, Sports Brief looks at their past AFCON performances when they advanced to the knockout round.

South Africa's knockout-round results

1996

Bafana Bafana reached the knockout round for the first time in their history in 1996 and they made the most of that opportunity.

South Africa at AFCON: Comparing Bafana Bafana and Springboks’ Achievements on the World Stage

Football

They defeated Algeria 2-1 in the quarters, eased past Ghana 3-0 in the semis, and ousted Tunisia 2-0 in the final to claim the championship on their tournament debut, per FIFA.com.

1998

South Africa came close to successfully defending their title in 1998. Bafana Bafana reached the final after beating Morocco 2-1 in the quarter-finals and ousting DR Congo by the same scoreline in the semi-finals.

They fell short, however, in their bid to win back-to-back championships, losing 2-0 to Egypt in the final.

2000

South Africa made a deep run in the Africa Cup of Nations for the third consecutive time, reaching the semi-final round in 2000.

They booked a spot in the semis with a 1-0 victory over Ghana in the last 8. Bafana Bafana were denied a third straight finals berth, though, as they suffered a 2-0 loss to Nigeria in Lagos.

South Africa vs Namibia AFCON 2023 Group E Predictions, Preview: Form Guide, Head to Head, Team News

Football

South Africa bounced back from that disappointment, picking up the bronze medal after beating Tunisia on penalties in the third-place match.

2002

Bafana Bafana reached the quarter-finals for the fourth straight time in 2002 after finishing top of Group B.

They failed to advance to the semis, though, losing 2-0 to Mali.

2013

South Africa waited 11 years before they were able to return to the knockout round of the Africa Cup of Nations. They reached the quarter-finals in 2013 after finishing top of Group A.

The hosts failed to make a deep run in the knockout stage, though, losing 3-1 to Mali in a penalty shootout in the quarter-finals.

2019

Bafana Bafana reached the quarter-finals in the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations after finishing the group stage as one of the four best third-placed teams.

They won their first knockout match at AFCON since 2000, beating Egypt 1-0 in the Round of 16 thanks to a Thembinkosi Lorch goal in the 85th minute.

Algeria crash out of Cup of Nations as Cameroon qualify for last 16

Football

South Africa's quest to win their second title ended in the following round, though, with Bafana Bafana losing 2-1 to Nigeria in the quarter-finals.

William Troost-Ekoong broke South African fans' hearts, scoring the match-winner for the Super Eagles in the 89th minute, per ESPN.

South Africa vs. Morocco Preview

Sports Brief has also previewed the match between South Africa and Morocco.

The Atlas Lions reached the AFCON Round of 16 after finishing top of Group F.

They will face a Bafana team that finished second in Group E with four points.