The history of AFCON is defined by the legendary forwards who have turned the tournament into their personal scoring grounds. From the pioneers of the 1960s to the global icons of the 2000s, these players have set the standard for continental excellence. As we enter the 2025 edition in Morocco, these ten names represent the pinnacle of clinical finishing in the tournament’s history.
Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon) — 18 goals
The Indomitable Lions legend is the undisputed leading scorer in the competition’s history, having set a record that has stood for nearly two decades. Known for his incredible tactical intelligence and ruthless efficiency, Eto’o spearheaded Cameroon’s back-to-back title wins in 2000 and 2002. He officially broke the long-standing scoring record during the 2008 edition and remains the only player to surpass the 15-goal mark.
Laurent Pokou (Ivory Coast) — 14 goals
For 38 years, Pokou’s tally was the gold standard for African strikers until it was finally eclipsed by Samuel Eto’o. He is famously remembered for his historic five-goal haul in a single match against Ethiopia during the 1970 tournament. His dominance in the late 1960s established him as the first true global superstar to emerge from the continental competition.
Rashidi Yekini (Nigeria) — 13 goals
Revered as “The Goals Father,” Yekini was the focal point of the Super Eagles’ most successful era in the early 1990s. He finished as the top scorer in both the 1992 and 1994 editions, ultimately leading Nigeria to the trophy in Tunisia. His immense physical presence and powerful finishing made him a constant threat across five different tournament appearances.
Hassan El-Shazly (Egypt) — 12 goals
A prolific striker during the 1960s and 70s, El-Shazly is the only player in history to have recorded multiple hat-tricks at the Africa Cup of Nations. His most devastating performance came in 1963, where he scored six times and cemented his reputation as one of Egypt’s greatest-ever finishers. He remains a symbol of the Pharaohs’ early era of continental dominance.
Patrick Mboma (Cameroon) — 11 goals
Mboma combined sheer power with technical elegance to become a cornerstone of the dominant Cameroon side that won consecutive titles at the turn of the millennium. He achieved the rare feat of finishing as the joint top scorer in two separate editions, 2002 and 2004, often in a lethal partnership with Eto’o. His ability to score spectacular goals in high-pressure moments made him a national icon.
Hossam Hassan (Egypt) — 11 goals
Hassan’s remarkable career spanned three different decades of continental football, including title wins in 1986, 1998, and 2006. His longevity allowed him to remain a decisive presence for the Pharaohs well into his veteran years, providing leadership alongside his goal-scoring output. With over 170 international caps, he is one of the most decorated and respected figures in the history of the game.
Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) — 11 goals
The legendary Chelsea striker was the talisman for the Ivorian “Golden Generation,” leading them to two tournament finals in 2006 and 2012. While he never lifted the trophy, his physical dominance and clinical finishing made him a feared opponent in every edition he played. He consistently delivered vital goals that propelled the Elephants into the latter stages of the competition.
Ndaye Mulamba (DR Congo) — 10 goals
Mulamba holds one of the most remarkable individual records in football history, having scored nine of his ten total goals in a single tournament. During the 1974 edition, he led Zaire (now DR Congo) to the title with a scoring streak that has never been matched. His performance that year is still widely regarded as the most dominant individual display in the history of African international football.
Kalusha Bwalya (Zambia) — 10 goals
Bwalya was the heart and soul of Zambian football for decades, leading his nation with both immense skill and resilience. He remained a top-tier scoring threat across multiple tournament cycles, often serving as the primary creative and finishing force for his team. His double-digit tally reflects his standing as one of the most technically gifted players to ever grace the AFCON stage.
Joel Tiehi (Ivory Coast) — 10 goals
A central figure in the Ivory Coast attack during the 1990s, Tiehi was a key member of the squad that secured the nation’s first title in 1992. His consistency in the penalty area and high work rate established him as a reliable scorer throughout his international career. He remains part of an elite group of strikers who have reached the ten-goal milestone in the finals.
And with the tournament in Morocco beginning today, keep a close eye on these two active stars who are within striking distance of the all-time top ten:
Sadio Mané (Senegal): With 9 goals already to his name, the Senegal captain is the highest-scoring active player in the competition. He needs only one more goal to join the prestigious ten-goal club and could easily climb higher if Senegal makes a deep run in their title defense.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt): Currently sitting on 7 goals, the “Egyptian King” is looking for a legacy-defining tournament in Morocco. A three-goal haul in this edition would see him break into the all-time top ten, further cementing his status as one of Africa’s greatest-ever forwards.
