AFCON history is filled with unforgettable heroes, but only a select few reached true legendary status through goals that shaped the tournament forever.
The Africa Cup of Nations has long been a stage where legends are made, with goals often defining careers and shaping national pride. Across decades of competition, the tournament has produced unforgettable moments driven by players who consistently found the back of the net when it mattered most. These scorers did more than just score goals — they left lasting marks on AFCON history.
From classic editions in the past to the modern era, AFCON’s top scorers reflect the evolution of African football itself. Different styles, generations, and tactical systems have all contributed to a rich goal-scoring legacy, highlighting players whose finishing ability and composure stood out on the continent’s biggest stage.
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The Africa Cup of Nations is just around the corner, and we’ll likely see a new star emerge as the tournament’s top scorer… but can anyone truly compare to these legends of the competition? Here are the all-time top scorers in AFCON history.
7. Didier Drogba (Costa de Marfil) – 11 goals
A global icon and one of the finest strikers of his era, Drogba scored 11 goals in 21 AFCON matches (0.45 per game). Despite leading Ivory Coast’s “Golden Generation,” he never lifted the trophy, finishing runner-up in 2006 and 2012.
6. Hossam Hassan (Egipto) – 11 goals
A cornerstone of Egypt’s dominance, Hassan played seven AFCON tournaments, winning three. He recorded 11 goals in 21 matches (0.52 per game) and remains Egypt’s all-time top scorer with 69 international goals.
5. Patrick Mboma (Camerún) – 11 goals
Key to Cameroon’s titles in 2000 and 2002, Mboma scored 11 goals in just 17 appearances (0.65 per match). His AFCON legacy includes a hat-trick vs. Zimbabwe and decisive goals in knockout rounds.
4. Hassan El-Shazly (Egipto) – 12 goals
The most efficient scorer in AFCON history: 12 goals in 8 matches, averaging 1.50 per game. El-Shazly remains the only player ever to score two hat-tricks in AFCON finals.
3. Rashidi Yekini (Nigeria) – 13 goals
Long regarded as Nigeria’s greatest striker, Yekini scored 13 goals in 20 AFCON matches. He won the 1994 title, earned the Golden Boot, and became an icon for the Super Eagles.
2. Laurent Pokou (Costa de Marfil) – 14 goals
A two-time Golden Boot winner (1968 & 1970), Pokou netted 14 goals in 12 matches. His five-goal performance against Ethiopia remains the single-game scoring record in AFCON history.
1. Samuel Eto’o (Camerún) – 18 goals
The all-time leading scorer in AFCON history. Eto’o scored 18 goals across six tournaments, winning titles in 2000 and 2002 and earning the Golden Boot in 2006 and 2008. A true legend of African football.
