AFCON 2025 sets new record as highest-scoring edition ever ahead of final

Analysts say the 120-goal milestone reflects a wider shift in African football, with players getting more tactically versatile and physically prepared for AFCON tournaments. The CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has set a new scoring record, becoming the highest-scoring edition in the tournament’s history with 120 goals netted ahead of Sunday’s final. The tally surpasses the previous mark of 102 goals recorded at the 2019 tournament in Egypt, highlighting the attacking intent, technical quality and growing confidence of teams across the continent. Africa’s traditional powerhouses have been at the forefront of the scoring surge. Senegal, Nigeria, hosts Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire have all demonstrated attacking depth, while emerging talents have matched established stars in both influence and impact. Morocco’s Brahim Diaz leads the scoring charts with five goals, making him one of the standout performers of the tournament. He is followed closely by Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, who have scored four goals each. With both players set to feature in the third-place playoff on Saturday, the race for the Golden Boot remains wide open. With two matches still to be played, the goal record could yet be extended, capping a tournament that has delivered sustained entertainment, drama and high-quality football.