The top scorers in the history of the AFCON for the last two decades

Over the course of the past two decades, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been a showcase for some of the continent’s most prolific goal scorers. From the sandy terrains of Mali in 2002 to the bustling cities of Cameroon in 2021 (held in 2022 due to COVID-19), the tournament has witnessed remarkable individual performances as players rise to lead their nations in pursuit of glory.

Let’s embark on a journey down memory lane and revisit the top goal scorers from each AFCON tournament between 2002 and 2021:

2002 (Mali): Top Scorers: Patrick Mboma (Cameroon), Salomon Olembe (Cameroon), Julius Aghahowa (Nigeria) – 3 goals each.

In the year 2002, Mali played host to the AFCON tournament, where the likes of Patrick Mboma from Cameroon, along with compatriots Salomon Olembe and Julius Aghahowa from Nigeria, left their mark with three goals each, lighting up the tournament with their striking prowess.

2004 (Tunisia): Top Scorer: Francileudo Santos (Tunisia) – 4 goals.

The AFCON stage shifted to Tunisia in 2004, where Francileudo Santos emerged as the leading goal scorer, demonstrating his skill and finesse with four impressive goals, adding excitement to the tournament.

2006 (Egypt): Top Scorer: Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon) – 5 goals.

In 2006, Egypt hosted the AFCON tournament, and it was Samuel Eto’o from Cameroon who stole the show with five magnificent goals, setting a new record for individual goal-scoring prowess in a single AFCON tournament.

2008 (Ghana): Top Scorer: Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon) – 5 goals.

Ghana played host to the AFCON tournament in 2008, and once again, Samuel Eto’o showcased his exceptional goal-scoring abilities, leading the charts with five goals to his credit, captivating fans worldwide with his dazzling displays.

2010 (Angola): Top Scorer: Mohamed Nagy “Gedo” (Egypt) – 5 goals.

The AFCON action shifted to Angola in 2010, where Mohamed Nagy “Gedo” of Egypt left a lasting impression with five goals to his name, playing a crucial role in his team’s journey to AFCON glory.

2012 (Gabon and Equatorial Guinea): Top Scorer: Emmanuel Mayuka (Zambia) – 3 goals.

The joint hosting by Gabon and Equatorial Guinea in 2012 witnessed the emergence of Emmanuel Mayuka from Zambia, whose three goals proved instrumental in his team’s historic AFCON title triumph.

2013 (South Africa): Top Scorer: Mubarak Wakaso (Ghana) – 4 goals.

In South Africa 2013, Mubarak Wakaso of Ghana demonstrated his goal-scoring prowess with four crucial strikes, playing a key role in his team’s journey to the semi-finals of the tournament.

2015 (Equatorial Guinea): Top Scorers: André Ayew (Ghana), Javier Balboa (Equatorial Guinea), Dieumerci Mbokani (DR Congo), Thievy Bifouma (Congo), Ahmed Akaïchi (Tunisia) – 3 goals each.

The AFCON tournament in Equatorial Guinea 2015 saw a shared spotlight among several players, including André Ayew, Javier Balboa, Dieumerci Mbokani, Thievy Bifouma, and Ahmed Akaïchi, all of whom contributed three goals each to their respective teams’ campaigns, adding flair to the competition.

2017 (Gabon): Top Scorer: Junior Kabananga (DR Congo) – 3 goals.

In Gabon 2017, Junior Kabananga of DR Congo emerged as the surprise top scorer, leading his team to the quarter-finals with three crucial goals to his name.

2019 (Egypt): Top Scorer: Odion Ighalo (Nigeria) – 5 goals.

The AFCON tournament returned to Egypt in 2019, where Odion Ighalo of Nigeria grabbed the headlines with five impressive goals, playing a pivotal role in his team’s journey to securing third place in the competition.

2021 (Cameroon, held in 2022 due to COVID-19): Top Scorer: Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon) – 8 goals.

In 2021 (held in 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), Cameroon hosted the AFCON tournament, and it was Vincent Aboubakar who stole the show with a remarkable tally of eight goals, showcasing his exceptional goal-scoring prowess and leading his nation to a commendable third-place finish.

From the sands of Mali to the bustling stadiums of Cameroon, the AFCON tournament has witnessed extraordinary goal-scoring feats over the last two decades. Each edition has produced its own set of memorable moments and iconic performances, showcasing the best of African football talent. As we eagerly anticipate the next chapter of this prestigious tournament, one thing remains certain: the AFCON stage will continue to be a platform for Africa’s finest talents to shine and etch their names in footballing history.