South Africa endured a thoroughly disappointing campaign at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), held in Egypt, crashing out in the group stage after losing all three of their matches and failing to score a single goal.

Placed in Group C alongside Tunisia, Zambia, and Guinea, Bafana Bafana’s performance was widely regarded as one of the lowest points in the national team’s history.

Led by Romanian-born coach Ted Dumitru, South Africa fielded a squad that was largely composed of locally-based players. Despite having a few internationally experienced stars such as Benni McCarthy, Sibusiso Zuma, and Pierre Issa, the team lacked cohesion, creativity, and a clinical edge in front of goal.

The squad also included emerging talents like Siphiwe Tshabalala and Benedict Vilakazi, but their inexperience on such a stage became apparent.

South Africa’s tournament began with a 2-0 loss to Guinea. Goals from Sambegou Bangoura and Ousmane Bangoura exposed the defensive frailties in Dumitru’s side, and South Africa struggled to impose themselves throughout the match. There was little attacking threat, and the team looked disjointed and out of rhythm, setting the tone for the struggles to come.

In their second match, South Africa faced a well-organised Tunisia side, the defending champions at the time. Once again, Bafana Bafana failed to rise to the occasion, falling 2-0 with goals from Francileudo Santos and Salim Benachour.

Tunisia’s superior technical quality and tactical discipline overwhelmed South Africa, who appeared bereft of ideas and energy. Benni McCarthy, the team’s most prominent goal threat, was largely isolated and unable to influence proceedings.

By the time they faced Zambia in their final group match, South Africa were already eliminated, but they had a chance to salvage some pride. However, they fell short again, losing 1-0 to a goal by Chris Katongo. It was yet another display marred by a lack of attacking potency and poor decision-making in key areas. For the third consecutive game, South Africa finished without finding the back of the net.

Ultimately, Bafana Bafana ended the first round bottom of Group C, with zero points, zero goals scored, and five conceded. Their performance drew sharp criticism from the media, supporters, and former players, with many pointing to issues such as questionable team selection, tactical naivety, and a failure to adequately prepare the team for high-level competition.

Ted Dumitru, who had achieved domestic success in South African club football, struggled to transition effectively to the demands of the international game.

The 2006 AFCON served as a wake-up call for South African football. It highlighted deep structural problems within the national team setup, and the tournament’s failure prompted renewed calls for reform and investment in youth development, coaching standards, and international experience.

While the likes of Tshabalala and Vilakazi would later grow into more prominent roles, the 2006 edition remains a tournament to forget for Bafana Bafana.