It was held from 18–30 April 1987 in Brazzaville, Republic of the Congo, with the Stade Alphonse Massemba-Débat serving as the main stadium.

The event was originally planned to take place in Zaire in 1985, but was postponed due to financial issues.

Brazzaville had previously hosted the Central African Cup event in 1972, which was itself a precursor to the games.

[1][2] In the athletics programme, a total of 36 track and field events (21 for men, 15 for women) were held.

[3] In the men's football final, on 30 April, Cameroon beat Angola 2–0.