AFCON top scorers 2023: Surprise stars take over, Salah endures a nightmare campaign

The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) concluded with a cinematic ending as the host nation, Ivory Coast, completed one of the greatest comebacks in football history. In a pulsating final at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium, the Elephants defeated Nigeria 2-1 to secure their third continental title, adding to their previous triumphs in 1992 and 2015. 

This victory was particularly symbolic; while Ivory Coast has always been a powerhouse, the team had struggled to find its identity after the golden era of Didier Drogba and Yaya Toure. Their success proved that the tournament's entertainment value remains unmatched. 

However, according to Livescorecz, the most shocking aspect of the event was not just the winner, but the names atop the list of AFCON top scorers 2023. Instead of global icons like Mohamed Salah or Victor Osimhen, the leaderboard was dominated by "dark horses" and clinical finishers from less-fancied nations.

The AFCON 2023 top scorers

At the tenth spot is Bertrand Traoré of Burkina Faso. The former Aston Villa man scored 3 goals in 4 matches, leading his team to the Round of 16. Traoré, who debuted for the Stallions at just 15 years old in 2011, has been a cornerstone of his national team, though he has yet to lift the trophy. Currently, he plies his trade at Sunderland in England, where he continues to be a creative force. 

Following him is Baghdad Bounedjah of Algeria, who also netted 3 goals but in only 3 appearances. Despite his efficiency, Algeria suffered a shock group-stage exit. Bounedjah was a hero of their 2019 title win and remains a legend at Al-Shamal in Qatar.

The list continues with Mohamed Bayo of Guinea, who scored 3 goals in 5 matches, propelling Guinea to the quarter-finals. Also tied with 3 goals is Mabululu from Angola. A vital part of Angola’s surprising run to the quarter-finals, he scored 3 times in 5 games. Joining them is Lassine Sinayoko of Mali, who found the net 3 times in 5 matches. Sinayoko, a consistent performer for Auxerre in France, helped Mali reach the quarter-finals, showcasing the depth of talent in West Africa.

Moving into the upper echelon, Ademola Lookman of Nigeria secured the fifth spot. The former Atalanta winger was instrumental in Nigeria's journey to the final, scoring 3 goals in 7 matches. Since his debut in 2022, Lookman has become a vital asset for the Super Eagles.

His teammate and captain, William Troost-Ekong, remarkably finished fourth. The veteran defender scored 3 goals in 6 matches, including a header in the final. Troost-Ekong, who currently plays for Al-Ahli in Qatar, was named the Player of the Tournament, reflecting his immense leadership and clinical finishing from set-pieces.

In third place is Egypt’s Mostafa Mohamed, who scored 4 goals in 4 matches. He was the bright spot for the Pharaohs, scoring in every group game before their Round of 16 exit. Mohamed has established himself as one of Africa's most lethal strikers. He is followed by Gelson Dala of Angola, who claimed the second spot with 4 goals in 5 matches. Dala’s movement and finishing were key to Angola’s historic quarter-final finish. He has been a national team regular since 2015 and plays for Al-Wakrah in Qatar.

The pinnacle of the list belongs to the ultimate underdog, Emilio Nsue of Equatorial Guinea. In a stunning display of efficiency, Nsue scored 5 goals in just 4 matches, including a memorable hat-trick against Guinea-Bissau. Despite being 34 years old during the tournament, the versatile captain led his team to the Round of 16. Nsue, who debuted in 2013, has never won the AFCON but his 2023 performance is legendary.

While these players flourished, the tournament’s biggest star, Mohamed Salah, had a frustrating campaign. Salah sustained a hamstring injury during Egypt's second group-stage match against Ghana. This injury forced him to miss the final group game and the knockout stage. In total, Salah appeared in only 2 matches, scoring 1 goal from the penalty spot. His absence was a massive blow to Egypt’s ambitions, as they were eliminated shortly after.

Summary of the AFCON 2023 top scorers

Emilio Nsue (Equatorial Guinea) – 5 goals (4 matches)

Gelson Dala (Angola) – 4 goals (5 matches)

Mostafa Mohamed (Egypt) – 4 goals (4 matches)

William Troost-Ekong (Nigeria) – 3 goals (6 matches)

Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) – 3 goals (7 matches)

Lassine Sinayoko (Mali) – 3 goals (5 matches)

Mabululu (Angola) – 3 goals (5 matches)

Mohamed Bayo (Guinea) – 3 goals (5 matches)

Baghdad Bounedjah (Algeria) – 3 goals (3 matches)

Bertrand Traoré (Burkina Faso) – 3 goals (4 matches)

The report from Livescorecz.net regarding the AFCON 2023 top scorers highlights how the landscape of African football is shifting toward collective strength rather than individual stardom. If you are looking for a reliable, easy-to-use website to update the hottest football news every hour and every minute, along with objective and valuable data before every match, we are confident we can meet your requirements.

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