The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has long been a stage for football’s deadliest finishers, players who rose to continental fame by consistently finding the back of the net when it mattered most.
From the flair of West Africa to the tactical discipline of North Africa, AFCON has produced iconic strikers whose goals have shaped the tournament’s rich history. These players didn’t just score, they created memories, inspired nations and etched their names into African football folklore.
Below Insightlinks Sport Arena takes a look at the top 10 highest goal scorers in AFCON history:
1. Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon) – 18 goals
The undisputed king of AFCON goal scoring, Eto’o combined blistering pace, technical brilliance and ruthless finishing. Across multiple tournaments, the Cameroonian legend delivered decisive goals and led by example, cementing his place as the competition’s all-time top scorer.
2. Laurent Pokou (Ivory Coast) – 14 goals
An icon of Ivorian football, Pokou dominated AFCON during the late 1960s and early 1970s. Renowned for his sharp instincts inside the box, he famously scored five goals in a single AFCON match — a record-breaking feat that still stands today.
3. Rashidi Yekini (Nigeria) – 13 goals
Nigeria’s legendary No. 9 and the country’s first African Footballer of the Year, Yekini was a force of nature. Powerful, emotional and fearless, his goals helped establish the Super Eagles as a major continental power in the early 1990s.
4. Hassan El-Shazly (Egypt) – 12 goals
One of Egypt’s earliest football stars, El-Shazly built his reputation on deadly accuracy and long-range strikes. His scoring consistency during AFCON’s formative years ensured his legacy endured well beyond his playing days.
5. Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) – 11 goals
More than just a striker, Drogba was a leader and a big-game performer. Although AFCON glory eluded him as a player, his goals, strength and selfless play helped transform Ivory Coast into a regular title contender.
6. Hossam Hassan (Egypt) – 11 goals
Egypt’s all-time leading scorer across all competitions, Hassan was driven by grit and intelligence. His longevity and positional awareness made him a constant AFCON threat well into his thirties.
7. Patrick Mboma (Cameroon) – 11 goals
Known for his power and flair, Mboma delighted fans with spectacular goals. He played a crucial role in Cameroon’s success around the turn of the millennium, often stepping up in knockout matches.
8. Kalusha Bwalya (Zambia) – 10 goals
Elegant and technically gifted, Bwalya was a master of set pieces and creative attacking play. Beyond goals, his leadership after the 1993 Zambian air disaster elevated his status as a true footballing hero.
9. Santos (Congo) – 10 goals
A clinical finisher with sharp instincts, Santos thrived in tight situations. His goals were vital during Congo’s competitive years on the continental stage.
10. Joël Tiéhi (Ivory Coast) – 10 goals
Calm and dependable, Tiéhi was known for his intelligent movement and ability to convert difficult chances. His consistency made him one of Ivory Coast’s trusted AFCON goal scorers.
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