Goal Kings: Africa Cup of Nations' Leading Goal Scorers
The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a revered tournament that has witnessed outstanding performances from football legends over the years. Scoring goals at this prestigious stage is not merely a feat; it’s an honor. Let’s delve into the history of AFCON and explore the top goal scorers who have etched their names in the annals of African football.
- Kalusha Bwalya: A Tale of Resilience
Country: Zambia | Goals: 10
Kalusha Bwalya’s journey is marked by tragedy and triumph. Having narrowly escaped a fatal plane crash in 1993 that claimed the lives of many Zambian players, Bwalya led his team to the AFCON final in 1994. Fondly known as “Kalusha,” he emerged as the top scorer with five goals, earning a nomination for the FIFA World Player of the Year.
- Ndaye Mulamba: Record-Breaking Brilliance
Country: DR Congo | Goals: 10
Ndaye Mulamba etched his name in AFCON history by scoring a remarkable nine goals in the 1994 edition. Achieving this feat in just six games, Mulamba played a pivotal role in Zaire’s (now DR Congo) title victory, including a brace against hosts Egypt in the semi-finals.
- Mengistu Worku: Ethiopia’s Goal-scoring Hero
Country: Ethiopia | Goals: 10
Mengistu Worku played a crucial role in Ethiopia’s 1962 AFCON triumph, emerging as the top scorer with three goals. He remains Ethiopia’s highest goal-scorer, contributing a total of 10 goals across six editions of the tournament.
- Didier Drogba: The Ivory Coast Maestro
Country: Ivory Coast | Goals: 11
Former Chelsea forward Didier Drogba left an indelible mark on AFCON, scoring 11 goals. Although he fell short in the 2006 and 2012 editions, finishing as the runner-up, Drogba’s impact on the tournament is undeniable.
- Hossam Hassan: Egypt’s Goal Machine
Country: Egypt | Goals: 11
Hossam Hassan not only scored 11 goals in AFCON but also clinched gold with Egypt in 1986, 1998, and 2006. His standout performance in the 1998 edition, where he shared the top scorer title with seven goals, showcased his goal-scoring prowess.
- Patrick Mboma: Olympic Hero Turned AFCON Champion
Country: Cameroon | Goals: 11
After winning gold in the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Patrick Mboma emerged as the joint top scorer in the 2002 and 2004 AFCON editions. His contributions played a crucial role in Cameroon’s AFCON title victories in 2000 and 2002.
- Hassan El-Shazly: Egypt’s Goal-scoring Sensation
Country: Egypt | Goals: 12
In the 1963 AFCON, Hassan El-Shazly showcased his goal-scoring prowess by amassing six goals. His stellar performance continued with another six goals in subsequent editions, solidifying his status as an Egyptian football icon.
- Rashidi Yekini: Nigeria’s Goal-scoring Maverick
Country: Nigeria | Goals: 13
Rashidi Yekini left an indelible mark on AFCON, being the leading goalscorer in both the 1992 and 1994 editions. His exceptional goal-scoring ability played a pivotal role in Nigeria’s triumph in 1994.
- Laurent Pokou: The Golden Boot Maestro
Country: Ivory Coast | Goals: 14
Laurent Pokou’s legacy includes two Golden Boot awards in 1968 and 1970, with a total of 14 goals in back-to-back AFCON editions. His memorable five-goal haul against Ethiopia solidified his place as one of AFCON’s greatest goal-scorers.
- Samuel Eto’o: The Prolific Cameroonian
Country: Cameroon | Goals: 18
Samuel Eto’o, the most prolific goal-scorer in AFCON history, claimed victory in 2000 and 2002. Eto’o’s prowess was highlighted by being the joint top scorer in 2006 and securing the Golden Boot in 2008, further cementing his legacy as a football icon.
In conclusion, these goal-scoring maestros have not only made their mark in AFCON history but have also left an enduring legacy in the hearts of football enthusiasts across the continent. Their feats on the field continue to inspire the next generation of African football talent.
