AFCON 2025 Draw Set for January 27: A Look at the Tournament’s Greatest Scorers
As anticipation builds for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Morocco 2025, the final draw is scheduled to take place in Rabat on January 27, where 24 competing teams will eagerly discover their paths in the prestigious tournament.
This event presents a golden opportunity for players to etch their names in history and create unforgettable moments on the pitch.
Among the legends of AFCON, several players have left an indelible mark with their extraordinary goal-scoring feats.
Didier Drogba (Côte d’Ivoire) – 11 Goals
One of the most revered strikers of his generation, Didier Drogba represented Côte d’Ivoire in five AFCON tournaments, scoring 11 goals in 21 appearances at a rate of 0.45 goals per game. Despite being part of the celebrated ‘Golden Generation’ of Ivorian football, Drogba never clinched the AFCON trophy, finishing as a runner-up in 2006 and 2012. He remains the all-time leading scorer for the national team, with 65 goals in 105 caps across all competitions.
Hossam Hassan (Egypt) – 11 Goals
Egyptian football icon Hossam Hassan showcased his prowess in seven AFCON tournaments, winning three titles over a span of 20 years. His AFCON journey began in 1986, and he played a crucial role in Egypt’s victory in 1998, scoring in the final against South Africa. With 11 goals in 21 finals appearances (0.52 goals per game), Hassan is Egypt’s all-time leading scorer, boasting an impressive total of 69 goals in 177 caps.
Patrick Mboma (Cameroon) – 11 Goals
A key player in Cameroon’s AFCON triumphs in 2000 and 2002, Patrick Mboma netted 11 goals in just 17 finals appearances, averaging 0.65 goals per match. His notable achievements include scoring in the 2000 final against Nigeria and delivering a hat-trick against Zimbabwe in 2004. His contributions were instrumental in helping the Indomitable Lions defend their title.
Hassan El-Shazly (Egypt) – 12 Goals
With the highest goals-per-match ratio among the top scorers, Hassan El-Shazly struck 12 times in only eight appearances, averaging an astonishing 1.50 goals per game. A standout in three finals between 1963 and 1974, he remains the only player to score two hat-tricks in AFCON finals, showcasing his remarkable talent throughout his career.
Rashidi Yekini (Nigeria) – 13 Goals
Regarded as Nigeria’s greatest striker, Rashidi Yekini played a pivotal role in the Super Eagles’ 1994 AFCON victory. He scored 13 goals in 20 tournament appearances, helping Nigeria secure the title while also earning the Golden Boot and Best Player awards that year. Yekini finished his international career with 37 goals in 62 caps.
Laurent Pokou (Côte d’Ivoire) – 14 Goals
Laurent Pokou, a prolific scorer for Côte d’Ivoire, amassed 14 goals in just 12 AFCON matches, including a record-setting five goals in a single game against Ethiopia. Although he never captured the AFCON title, his achievements include winning the Golden Boot twice, solidifying his status as one of the tournament’s legends.
Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon) – 18 Goals
The all-time leading scorer in AFCON history, Samuel Eto’o netted 18 goals in 29 appearances, maintaining a rate of 0.62 goals per game across six tournaments from 2000 to 2010. Eto’o celebrated two AFCON titles with Cameroon and twice earned the Golden Boot, further embellishing his illustrious career, during which he scored 56 goals in 114 caps for his country.
