In the 1996 edition, hosted in South Africa, Egypt participated in this tournament. Egypt were placed in Group A with the hosts South Africa, Cameroon, and Angola. In their first game, Egypt faced Angola, successful winning 2–1 with both goals scored from Ahmed El Kass. In their second game, however, Egypt lost 2–1 against Cameroon. In their third game, against South Africa, Egypt defeated South Africa 0–1, with the goal from El Kass. Egypt qualified to the quarter-finals, as runners-up of the group, being behind the hosts. In the quarter-finals, Egypt were to face Zambia. In this game, Egypt lost 3–1. This eliminated Egypt, with South Africa winning their first title, and as hosts.