The 1988 African Cup of Nations was the 16th edition of the African Cup of Nations, the football championship run by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). It was hosted by Morocco, who replaced original host Zambia. Just like in 1986, the field of eight teams was split into two groups of four. The tournament final was held in Casablanca at Stade Mohammed V.

Cameroon won a second championship, defeating Nigeria 1−0 in the final.

This edition of the tournament has the fewest goals-per-game average to date in Africa Cup of Nations history.

Host selection The original host was Zambia but after their withdrawal in December 1986 due to financial issues, the Confederation of African Football approached Algeria which agreed to host the tournament. However, in February 1987 the CAF rescinded this decision following a dispute with Algeria which protested the CAF's decision to order a replay of the first leg match of the 1987 All-Africa Games qualification against Tunisia. CAF had made this decision following Tunisia's protest that Algeria had fielded two professional players. Morocco was chosen in the end to host the 1988 Africa Cup of Nations replacing Algeria.

Qualified teams

The 8 qualified teams are: Team Qualified as Qualified on Previous appearances in tournament Hosts (1972, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1986) Holders (1957, 1959, 1962, 1963, 1970, 1974, 1976, 1980, 1984, 1986) 2nd round winners (1968, 1980, 1982, 1984, 1986) 2nd round winners (1970, 1972, 1982, 1984, 1986) 2nd round winners (1972) 2nd round winners (1963, 1976, 1978, 1980, 1982, 1984) 2nd round winners (1965, 1968, 1970, 1974, 1980, 1984, 1986) 2nd round winners (1965, 1968, 1970, 1972, 1974, 1976) Notes

Squads

Venues The competition was played in two venues in Casablanca and Rabat.

Casablanca Stade Mohammed V Capacity: 80,000 RabatStade Moulay AbdellahCapacity: 52,000

Group stage Tiebreakers If two or more teams finished level on points after completion of the group matches, the following tie-breakers were used to determine the final ranking: Goal difference in all group matches Greater number of goals scored in all group matches Drawing of lots

Group A

Note: Algeria qualified by drawing of lots.

Group B

Knockout stage Bracket

Semi-finals

Third place match

Final

Goalscorers

Team of the Tournament Goalkeeper Joseph-Antoine Bell

Defenders Tijani El Maataoui Emmanuel Kundé Buana N'Galula Stephen Tataw

Midfielders Jacques Kinkomba Kingambo Emile Mbouh Henry Nwosu Louis-Paul M'Fédé

Forwards Roger Milla Aziz Bouderbala

References

External links Details at RSSSF