Ranking the best goalkeeper in AFCON history: Bounou misses the cut, Former Chelsea star features?

With his second AFCON title secured early this year on Moroccan soil, Edouard Mendy has undoubtedly cemented his status as one of Senegal’s greatest goalkeepers of all time. However, placing Mendy within the elite ranks of an entire continent so rich in footballing tradition requires deeper consideration. 

In terms of competition, enduring history, and organizational scale, AFCON has evolved into a powerhouse that arguably sits just behind the legendary EURO and Copa America. When discussing the race for the best goalkeeper in AFCON history, Mendy's 2 titles, while impressive, may still seem modest compared to the towering legacies of certain icons that Livescorecz is about to reveal. Let us dive into the definitive ranking of those who turned their goalposts into impenetrable fortresses.

Top 10 best goalkeepers in AFCON history

10. Ronwen Williams (South Africa) 

The South African captain earned his place among the greats during the 2023 edition (played in 2024). Williams achieved a world-record feat by saving four penalties in a single quarter-final shootout against Cape Verde. Throughout that tournament, he kept 5 clean sheets and led Bafana Bafana to a historic third-place finish. 

His heroics earned him the Golden Glove as the tournament's best goalkeeper and a prestigious nomination for the Ballon d’Or Yashin Trophy. Williams has been the mainstay for South Africa since 2014, currently playing for Mamelodi Sundowns where he has dominated the South African Premier Division.

9. Boubacar Barry (Ivory Coast) 

Known affectionately as "Copa," Barry’s career reached a fairytale climax in the 2015 AFCON. Despite being a backup for most of the tournament, an injury to the starter forced him into the final against Ghana. After a 0-0 draw, Barry saved 2 penalties and scored the winning spot-kick himself to end Ivory Coast's 23-year trophy drought. 

Barry represented the Elephants from 2000 to 2015, appearing in 3 AFCON finals (2006, 2012, 2015) and 3 FIFA World Cups (2006, 2010, 2014). He spent much of his successful club career at Lokeren in Belgium, winning the Belgian Cup twice.

8. Tony Sylva (Senegal) 

Tony Sylva was the defensive heart of Senegal’s golden generation in the early 2000s. In the 2002 AFCON, he conceded only 1 goal throughout the entire tournament until the final, where Senegal narrowly lost on penalties to Cameroon. Despite the loss, Sylva was named the best goalkeeper of the tournament. He represented Senegal in 4 AFCON editions (2002-2008) and was a key figure in their historic run to the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals. At the club level, he won the Ligue 1 title with Monaco in 2000 and later became a legend at Lille.

7. Nader El-Sayed (Egypt)

El-Sayed was a master of consistency, winning the AFCON title in 1998. He holds the rare distinction of being named the tournament's Best Goalkeeper in 2 separate editions (1998 and 2000). 

During the 1998 campaign in Burkina Faso, he was nearly impenetrable, keeping a clean sheet in the 2-0 final victory over South Africa. With over 110 caps for Egypt between 1992 and 2005, he was also a hero in numerous penalty shootouts. His club career included successful stints at Zamalek and Al Ahly, winning multiple domestic and continental trophies.

6. Alain Gouamene (Ivory Coast) 

Gouamene was the hero of Ivory Coast’s first-ever AFCON glory in 1992. He set a historic record by keeping clean sheets in every single match leading up to the final. In the final against Ghana, which ended in a marathon 11-10 penalty shootout, Gouamene’s composure was the deciding factor. He participated in a record 7 AFCON tournaments between 1988 and 2000, showcasing incredible longevity. 

5. Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria) 

Enyeama is one of Nigeria’s most decorated players, appearing in 5 AFCON tournaments. His crowning achievement came in 2013, where he captained the Super Eagles to the title, keeping a clean sheet in the final against Burkina Faso. Enyeama was named to the AFCON Team of the Tournament in both 2004 and 2013. 

Outside of Africa, he represented Nigeria in 3 World Cups (2002, 2010, 2014) and famously frustrated Lionel Messi with his saves. He enjoyed a stellar club career at Lille, once going 1,062 minutes without conceding a goal in Ligue 1.

4. Joseph-Antoine Bell (Cameroon) 

A pioneer of the "sweeper-keeper" style, Bell won 2 AFCON titles with Cameroon in 1984 and 1988. In the 1988 edition, he started every game as the Indomitable Lions conceded only one goal on their way to the trophy. Bell was known for his incredible agility and vocal leadership. His career spanned from 1976 to 1994, and he was a key part of the squads for the 1982, 1990, and 1994 World Cups. 

3. Thomas N'Kono (Cameroon) 

N'Kono is a legendary figure who won the AFCON in 1984 and was named African Footballer of the Year twice (1979, 1982). He was named in the AFCON Team of the Tournament in 1982 and 1986. Known for his spectacular reflexes and trademark long trousers, N'Kono was the foundation of Cameroon's rise as a global power, notably during the 1982 and 1990 World Cups. 

2. Alioum Boukar (Cameroon) 

Boukar was the undisputed number one during Cameroon's back-to-back AFCON triumphs in 2000 and 2002. His performance in 2002 remains one of the greatest defensive feats in history, as he did not concede a single goal throughout the entire tournament. 

In the 2000 final, his penalty-saving heroics against Nigeria in Lagos secured the title. Boukar represented Cameroon from 1992 to 2004, appearing in 2 World Cups (1998, 2002) and winning multiple league titles in Turkey with Samsunspor and Istanbulspor.

1. Essam El-Hadary (Egypt) 

Statistically and historically, El-Hadary is the greatest. He won an unprecedented four AFCON titles (1998, 2006, 2008, 2010) and was named the tournament's best goalkeeper in 2008 and 2010. He was part of the Egyptian side that achieved a hat-trick of consecutive titles.

 At age 45, he became the oldest player in World Cup history during the 2018 tournament. With 159 international caps and dozens of trophies with Al Ahly, including 4 CAF Champions League titles, El-Hadary's legacy as the "High Dam" is unmatched.

The all-time legends of the AFCON goalpost:

Essam El-Hadary (Egypt)

Alioum Boukar (Cameroon)

Thomas N'Kono (Cameroon)

Joseph-Antoine Bell (Cameroon)

Vincent Enyeama (Nigeria)

Alain Gouamene (Ivory Coast)

Nader El-Sayed (Egypt)

Tony Sylva (Senegal)

Boubacar Barry (Ivory Coast)

Ronwen Williams (South Africa)

The team at Livescorecz.net has revealed the absolute icons who have earned the title of the best goalkeeper in AFCON. These players did more than just save shots; they defined the spirit of their nations.

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