The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has officially become the highest-scoring edition in the tournament’s history, with 120 goals recorded before the third-place playoff and final.
The new mark surpasses the previous record of 102 goals set at AFCON 2019 in Egypt, underlining a clear shift toward more attacking football across the continent.
Record-breaking numbers
The landmark was reached before the competition entered its final phase, a rare occurrence in AFCON history.
Traditionally, goals dry up as knockout pressure increases, but AFCON 2025 has defied that trend, delivering free-flowing contests, late drama and relentless attacks from group stage through the semi-finals.
Star names lead the charge
Established powers such as Senegal, Nigeria, Morocco and Ivory Coast have been at the forefront of the scoring surge. Morocco’s Brahim Díaz currently tops the scoring chart with five goals, while Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen trail closely on four each.
With both Salah and Osimhen expected to feature in the third-place playoff, the race for the Golden Boot remains wide open heading into the final days of the tournament.
Expanded format fuels Attacking football
The goal explosion has renewed debate around AFCON’s 24-team format. Rather than producing cautious or uneven matches, the expanded field has delivered competitive fixtures and a steady flow of goals.
Teams have shown much confidence on the ball, higher physicality and a willingness to play on the front foot, regardless of opposition.