As the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco enters its decisive knockout phase, the tournament’s goal-scoring chart provides a snapshot of the tournament’s top attacking forces, with Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez, Morocco’s Brahim Diaz, and Ayoub El Kaabi leading the way heading into the Round of 16.
The trio has netted three goals each, setting the pace as the competition intensifies.
Hot on their heels are a host of players with two goals, including Senegal’s Nicolas Jackson, Tunisia’s Elias Achouri, and Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, who has stood out not only for his goals but also for his overall impact on games.
Lookman’s Explosive Contribution
Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman has been one of the most influential players of the tournament, with two goals and two assists to his name, leading the competition for total goal involvements (four).
His dynamic play has been central to Nigeria’s attacking success, helping the Super Eagles score eight goals in their group-stage matches.
Lookman has been pivotal in linking play, creating opportunities, and finishing with clinical precision, making him one of the standout performers in the competition.
Nigeria’s Balanced Attack
Nigeria’s attack has been particularly impressive, with contributions coming from multiple players.
While Lookman and midfielder Raphael Onyedika have each scored two goals, star striker Victor Osimhen, Semi Ajayi, Wilfred Ndidi, and Paul Onuachu have all chipped in to make the Super Eagles the highest-scoring team at the tournament so far.
This balance and unpredictability in attack have made Nigeria a potent threat heading into the knockout rounds.
A Tight Contest for Top Scorer
In addition to Mahrez, Diaz, and El Kaabi, players such as Amad Diallo of Cameroon, South Africa’s Lyle Foster, and Egypt’s Mohamed Salah have all scored two goals, making the race for the golden boot one to watch closely.
With so many players in contention, the knockout phase promises even more excitement and competition in front of goal.
Low Scoring Teams
At the other end of the spectrum, Benin and Sudan have each managed just one goal in the group stage but still managed to progress as third-placed teams.
Their challenge in the knockout rounds will be to find more attacking output as they look to upset higher-ranked opponents.
Round of 16 Matchups
The Round of 16 will see some thrilling matchups: hosts Morocco face debutants Tanzania, defending champions Côte d’Ivoire take on Burkina Faso in a heavyweight encounter, Nigeria will battle the adventurous Mozambique, and Algeria meet DR Congo in what promises to be a closely contested tie.
Egypt will take on Benin in a historic David-versus-Goliath clash, adding further drama to the knockout rounds.
AFCON 2025 Top Scorers (Ahead of Round of 16)
Three goals:
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)
Brahim Diaz (Morocco)
Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco)
Two goals:
Nicolas Jackson (Senegal)
Raphael Onyedika (Nigeria)
Elias Achouri (Tunisia)
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
Amad Diallo (Cameroon)
Lyle Foster (South Africa)
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Lassine Sinayoko (Mali)
One goal:
Semi Ajayi (Nigeria)
Marvin Anieboh (Nigeria)
Wilfred Ndidi (Nigeria)
Paul Onuachu (Nigeria)
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
As the knockout rounds approach, fans can expect even more drama and excitement as these top scorers look to lead their teams toward glory in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
