AFCON 2023: Overall top Goalscorers – One of the most remarkable events in the history of the African Cup of Nations (CAN) occurred on February 10, 1957, when Raafat Attia entered his name in the record books. Attia scored the first ever goal of the tournament in the opening match, where Egypt faced Sudan. His goal played a key role in Egypt’s 2-1 victory, paving the way to this prestigious tournament.
Another milestone was achieved by Ad-Diba, who became the first player to score a hat-trick in an AFCON match. This historic match took place on February 16, 1957, in the last match of the first qualifying match against Ethiopia. Ad-Diba’s incredible four-goal performance led to Egypt’s emphatic 4-0 victory, demonstrating their prowess on the continental stage.
Ad-Diba made history by becoming the first top scorer in the AFCON tournament. In 1957, he scored a total of 5 goals, thus cementing his status as Egypt’s top scorer and leaving an indelible mark in the history of the tournament.
Oldest scorer:
Hossam Hassan secured his place in CAN history as the oldest goalscorer, aged 39 years and 174 days. On 3 February 2006, in a match against DR Congo, Hassan scored in a 4–1 victory for Egypt. His long life and ability to contribute at an advanced age not only showed his personal skills but also his lasting impact on Egyptian football.
Youngest scorer:
Shiva N’Zigou became a legendary figure in AFCON history as the youngest goalscorer, reaching the milestone at the age of 16 years and 93 days. On 23 January 2000, in a match against South Africa, N’Zigou’s goal was a good one despite Gabon losing 1–3. Its success highlighted the emergence of young talents on the continental scene and paved the way for future generations of footballers.
These goal records and great achievements contribute to the profound formation of the African Cup of Nations. They feature the diverse stories of players who have left an indelible mark on the tournament, capturing the essence of footballing excellence, longevity and the competitive spirit that has defined the AFCON throughout its rich history. .
AFCON 2023: Overall top Goalscorers
| Rank | Player | Team | Goals scored | Matches played | Tournament(s) |
| 1 | Samuel Eto’o | Cameroon | 18 | 29 | 6 (2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010) |
| 2 | Laurent Pokou | Ivory Coast | 14 | 12 | 4 (1968, 1970, 1974, 1980) |
| 3 | Rashidi Yekini | Nigeria | 13 | 20 | 4 (1988, 1990, 1992, 1994) |
| 4 | Hassan El-Shazly | Egypt | 12 | 8 | 3 (1963, 1970, 1974) |
| 5 | Patrick Mboma | Cameroon | 11 | 17 | 4 (1998, 2000, 2002, 2004) |
| 6 | Hossam Hassan | Egypt | 11 | 21 | 7 (1986, 1988, 1992, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2006) |
| 7 | Didier Drogba | Ivory Coast | 11 | 24 | 5 (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013) |
| 8 | Ndaye Mulamba | DR Congo | 10 | 10 | 2 (1974, 1976) |
| 9 | Francileudo Santos | Tunisia | 10 | 12 | 3 (2004, 2006, 2008) |
| 10 | Joel Tiéhi | Ivory Coast | 10 | 15 | 4 (1992, 1994, 1996, 1998) |
| 11 | Mengistu Worku | Ethiopia | 10 | 17 | 6 (1959, 1962, 1963, 1965, 1968, 1970) |
| 12 | Kalusha Bwalya | Zambia | 10 | 23 | 6 (1986, 1992, 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000) |
| 13 | André Ayew | Ghana | 10 | 34 | 7 (2008, 2010, 2012, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2021) |
| 14 | Manucho | Angola | 9 | 14 | 4 (2008, 2010, 2012, 2013) |
| 15 | Vincent Aboubakar | Cameroon | 9 | 15 | 3 (2015, 2017, 2021) |
| 16 | Abdoulaye Traoré | Ivory Coast | 9 | 22 | 6 (1986, 1988, 1990, 1992, 1994, 1996) |
| 17 | Pascal Feindouno | Guinea | 8 | 13 | 4 (2004, 2006, 2008, 2012) |
| 18 | Sadio Mané | Senegal | 8 | 18 | 4 (2015, 2017, 2019, 2021) |
| 19 | Ahmed Hassan | Egypt | 8 | 31 | 8 (1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010) |
| 20 | Seydou Keita | Mali | 8 | 31 | 7 (2002, 2004, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013, 2015) |
Fastest goals
- 1st minute, Hassan El-Shazly for Egypt against Ivory Coast in 1974 (2–0 victory).
- 1st minute, Chérif Fetoui for Morocco against Congo in 1976 (2–2 draw).
- 1st minute, Phillip Omondi for Uganda against Congo in 1978 (3–1 victory).
- 1st minute, Tueba Menayame for Zaire against Cameroon in 1992 (1–1 draw).
- 1st minute, Ayman Mansour for Egypt against Gabon in 1994 (4–0 victory).
- 1st minute, Tijani Babangida for Nigeria against South Africa in 2000 (2–0 victory).
- 1st minute, Soufiane Alloudi for Morocco against Namibia in 2008 (5–1 victory).
Latest goal (regulation time)
90+10th minute, Bruno Zita Mbanangoyé for Gabon against Morocco in 2012 (3–2 victory).
Latest goals (including extra time)
- 120th minute, Brighton Sinyangwe for Zambia against Zaire in 1974 (2–2 draw).
- 120th minute, Jaouad Zairi for Morocco against Algeria in 2004 (3–1 victory).
Most goals in a single match
Laurent Pokou scored 5 goals for Ivory Coast in a 6–1 victory against Ethiopia in 1970.
Most goals in a single tournament
Ndaye Mulamba scored 9 goals for Zaire in the 1974 tournament.
Goalscoring goalkeeper in the tournament
Kennedy Mweene is the first and only goalkeeper to score a goal (for Zambia) in an Africa Cup of Nations, in 2013.
Most hat tricks
Hassan El-Shazly scored 2 tournament hat-tricks for the United Arab Republic: one in 1963 and one in 1970.
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