AFCON all time top scorers: Mohamed Salah’s long road to Samuel Eto’o’s level

In the current landscape of African football, Mohamed Salah stands as a titan. At 33 years old, the Egyptian king has solidified his status as perhaps the greatest African forward of the modern era, a reputation built on his relentless consistency for Liverpool and his unwavering devotion to the "Pharaohs" of Egypt. 

During the most recent AFCON campaign held on the grand stage of Morocco, Salah donned the number 10 jersey and orchestrated a brilliant individual performance. He found the back of the net 4 times in just 6 appearances, a feat that propelled him directly into the elite pantheon of the tournament's history. 

However, despite his undeniable brilliance, Salah’s tally still trails the legendary figures of the past. He remains in pursuit of the heights reached by icons like Didier Drogba and the undisputed king of African goals, Samuel Eto’o. 

In this comprehensive analysis, Livescorecz will unveil the 10 names that represent the AFCON all time top scorers. Can you guess which legendary striker still holds the throne?

List of the AFCON all time top scorers

10. Francileudo Santos

Starting our countdown at number 10 is Francileudo Santos of Tunisia. The Brazilian-born striker represented Tunisia in 3 tournaments (2004, 2006, and 2008), scoring a total of 10 goals in 12 matches. His finest hour came in 2004, where he scored 4 goals in 6 games, leading Tunisia to their first-ever AFCON title on home soil. He debuted for Tunisia in 2004 and finished his international career with 22 goals in 41 caps.

Santos was a legend at FC Sochaux in France, where he made 144 appearances and scored 53 goals, winning the Coupe de la Ligue in 2004. 

9. Joel Tiehi 

Sharing the 10th spot is Joel Tiehi of Ivory Coast, who netted 10 goals across 4 tournaments (1992, 1994, 1996, 1998). Although he was part of the 1992 championship-winning squad, his best individual performance was in 1994, scoring 4 goals in 5 games. 

Tiehi spent his most successful club years at Le Havre and Lens, scoring over 50 goals in the French top flight. He earned 40 caps for the "Elephants," scoring 25 goals. Next is Ndaye Mulamba from DR Congo (formerly Zaire), who holds one of the most incredible records in history. Across 2 tournaments (1974, 1976), he scored 10 goals. In 1974 alone, he scored all 9 of his goals in just 6 matches, a single-tournament record that still stands today as he led Zaire to the trophy. Mulamba was a star for AS Vita Club, winning the African Cup of Champions Clubs in 1973.

8. Didier Drogba 

Moving to the 11-goal club, we find the legendary Didier Drogba. The Ivorian powerhouse featured in 5 editions (2006, 2008, 2010, 2012, 2013), scoring 11 goals in 24 matches. His best run was in 2012, where he scored 3 goals in 6 matches, though he famously never won the trophy, finishing as runner-up twice. He debuted for Ivory Coast in 2002, amassing 65 goals in 105 appearances. 

Drogba is a Chelsea FC icon, scoring 164 goals in 381 games and winning 4 Premier League titles and the Champions League. 

7. Hossam Hassan 

Alongside him is Hossam Hassan of Egypt, a veteran of 7 tournaments spanning two decades (1986-2006). He scored 11 goals in 21 games, with his peak in 1998, scoring 7 goals in 6 matches to win the title. He won 3 AFCON trophies (1986, 1998, 2006). Hassan is a legend for Al Ahly and Zamalek, winning 14 Egyptian league titles and scoring over 160 club goals.

6. Patrick Mboma

Also with 11 goals is Patrick Mboma of Cameroon. Over 4 tournaments (1998, 2000, 2002, 2004), he scored 11 goals in 17 matches. His golden year was 2002, scoring 3 goals in 6 matches to win his second consecutive title (2000, 2002). Mboma flourished at Parma and Gamba Osaka, where he was the J-League top scorer. He finished his Cameroon career with 33 goals in 57 caps. 

5. Mohamed Salah 

Mohamed Salah now sits level with these legends. Across his participations (2017, 2019, 2021, 2023, 2025), he has reached 11 goals. His most productive campaign was the 2025 edition in Morocco with 4 goals. Since his Egypt debut in 2011, he has become their second-highest all-time scorer with over 50 goals.

At Liverpool, Salah has broken nearly every record, scoring over 200 goals and winning the Champions League and Premier League.

4. Hassan El-Shazly

The 4th position belongs to Hassan El-Shazly of Egypt, who scored 12 goals in just 10 matches across 3 tournaments (1962, 1963, 1970). His 1963 performance was legendary, netting 6 goals in only 3 games. He remains Tersana SC’s greatest player, scoring 176 goals in the Egyptian League. 

3. Rashidi Yekini

In 3rd place is the "Bull of Kaduna," Rashidi Yekini of Nigeria. He played in 5 tournaments (1988-1994), scoring 13 goals in 20 matches. 1994 was his year, scoring 5 goals in 5 games to lead Nigeria to the title. Yekini was prolific at Vitória de Setúbal, scoring 91 goals in 114 games. He is Nigeria’s record scorer with 37 goals in 58 appearances.

2. Laurent Pokou

In 2nd place is the "Goal Machine" Laurent Pokou of Ivory Coast. He scored 14 goals in 12 matches over 4 tournaments (1968, 1970, 1974, 1980). In 1970, he scored 8 goals in 5 games, including a 5-goal haul in a single match. 

Pokou was a star for Rennes in France, scoring 75 goals and being twice named the league’s top foreign player. 

1. Samuel Eto’o 

Finally, the 1st position belongs to Samuel Eto’o of Cameroon. The indomitable striker participated in 6 tournaments (2000-2010), scoring a record 18 goals in 29 matches. He won back-to-back titles in 2000 and 2002. He also is Cameroon’s all-time leader with 56 goals in 118 caps.

Eto’o reached global superstardom at Barcelona and Inter Milan, scoring over 100 goals for Barça and winning three Champions League titles.

AFCON all-time top scorers: 

Samuel Eto’o (Cameroon) – 18 Goals

Laurent Pokou (Ivory Coast) – 14 Goals

Rashidi Yekini (Nigeria) – 13 Goals

Hassan El-Shazly (Egypt) – 12 Goals

Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – 11 Goals

Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast) – 11 Goals

Hossam Hassan (Egypt) – 11 Goals

Patrick Mboma (Cameroon) – 11 Goals

Ndaye Mulamba (DR Congo) – 10 Goals

Francileudo Santos (Tunisia) – 10 Goals

Joel Tiehi (Ivory Coast) – 10 Goals

Livescorecz.net has proudly presented the AFCON all time top scorers, honoring the legends who have turned the African Cup of Nations into a theater of dreams. If you want to stay updated with the latest burning football news, explore fresh perspectives through our in-depth expert analyses, and collect valuable statistical data before every match, visit our homepage right here.