1978 African Cup of Nations

The 1978 African Cup of Nations was the 11th edition of the African Cup of Nations, the football championship of Africa (CAF). It was hosted by Accra and Kumasi, Ghana. The format of the competition changed from 1976: the field of eight teams was still split into two groups of four, but the final group stage was eliminated in favor of the knockout semifinals used in tournaments prior to 1976. Ghana won its third championship, beating Uganda in the final 2-0.

The Ivory Coast (Côte d'Ivoire) and Mali were disqualified from this competition in 1978 in the second round of the qualifiers, although the reason is unknown. Upper Volta, who had been beaten by the Ivory Coast in the first qualifying round, were given a place in the finals at their expense.

Host Cities & Venues

Squads

Qualifying Tournament

For qualification results, see 1978 African Cup of Nations (qualification)

Morocco qualified as holders

Ghana qualified as hosts

Preliminary round

Mauritius won 4–3 on aggregate.

First round

Algeria won 5–3 on aggregate.

Congo-Brazzaville won 4–2 on aggregate.

Tunisia won 5–4 on aggregate.

Guinea won 5–0 on aggregate.

Ethiopia won 4–2 on aggregate.

Senegal won 3–1 on aggregate.

Nigeria won 3–1 on aggregate.

Upper Volta progress, Cote d'Ivoire disqualified.

Mali progress, Niger disqualified.

Uganda progress, Tanzania disqualified.

Zambia progress, Sudan disqualified.

Second round

Zambia won 2–2 (6-5p) on aggregate.

Congo-Brazzaville won 6–5 on aggregate.

Uganda won 2–1 on aggregate.

Nigeria won 4–3 on aggregate.

Tunisia won 5–3 on aggregate.

Upper Volta qualified, Mali withdrew.

Participating teams

Final tournament

First round

• Teams highlighted in green progress to the Quarter Finals
• 2 points awarded for a win and 1 point for a draw at group stage

Group A

Group B

Semifinals

Third place playoff

¹The match was abandoned after Tunisia walked off in the 42nd minute with the score tied at 1-1 to protest the officiating. Nigeria were awarded a 2-0 win, and Tunisia were banned from CAF competitions for two years.

Final

Scorers

• The two scorers in the third place playoff match not added

CAF Team of the Tournament

Goalkeeper

• Mohammed Al-Hazaz

Defenders

• Mokhtar Dhouieb
• James Kuuku Dadzie
• Al-Qasmy
• Al-Araby

Midfielders

• Moses Nsereko
• Abdul Razak
• Adolf Armah
• Phillip Omondi

Forwards

• Segun Odegbami
• Mohammed Polo

External links and sources

• Rec.Sport.Soccer Statistics Foundation (RSSSF)
• footballmundial.tripod.com
• www.world-results.net