As the Africa Cup of Nations 2025 enters its most decisive phase, several historic records, from scoring feats to defensive milestones — are now in serious jeopardy of being rewritten in Morocco.
With quarter-finals underway and some of Africa’s biggest stars firing, football fans are watching not just for trophies but for history. The final is set for January 18 in Rabat.
Most Goals Scored in AFCON History — Samuel Eto’o’s 18 Under Threat?
The longstanding all-time AFCON scoring record is held by Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o, who netted 18 tournament goals across six appearances between 2000 and 2010.
So far in AFCON 2025, the Golden Boot chase is tightly contested:
Brahim Díaz (Morocco) — 4 goals
Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) — 3 goals
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) — 3 goals
Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco), Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) — 3 goals each
At the latest stage of the tournament, Diaz leads and could equal or exceed some of the highest single-tournament tallies if Morocco reach the final.
Though surpassing Eto’o’s overall record remains a stretch, a hugely prolific run through the knockouts positions him and others to climb high up the all-time list.
Record to watch:
– Most goals in a single AFCON edition: Held by Ndaye Mulamba with 9 goals (1974) — a barrier challengers like Díaz could realistically aim for if they sustain scoring through the quarters, semis and final.
Fewest Goals Conceded — Can Algeria Threaten a Defensive All-Time Mark?
Algeria are one of the defensive standouts in AFCON 2025, coming into the quarter-finals having conceded just one goal and remaining unbeaten through the group and Round of 16. (Confédération Africaine de Football)
Historically, the only team to win the AFCON without conceding a single goal was Cameroon in 2002, keeping a perfect defensive slate through six matches. (Facebook)
As Algeria prepare for their quarter-final clash with Nigeria, they’ll be eyeing history:
Concede no further goals: Would match Cameroon 2002’s record.
Keep multiple clean sheets through semis/final: Would strengthen their case as one of the most disciplined defensive sides ever in the tournament.
Most Goals by a Country in One Tournament — Can Senegal or Morocco Top the Charts?
AFCON tournaments have seen offensive fireworks, but the benchmark for most goals by a team in a single edition varies with format.
The modern 24-team format — since 2019 — saw high totals in prior editions.
In AFCON 2025, teams like Senegal and Morocco have been among the top goal contributors: Senegal were tipped as the top-scoring side early in the tournament, with Nigeria, Algeria and Egypt also prominent. (TalkSport)
Category to watch:
Team with the most goals scored in AFCON 2025 — as Morocco progresses as hosts and Senegal continue deep into the knockout rounds, both could threaten tournament scoring benchmarks.
Other Fascinating Record Categories in Play
Here are additional viewer-friendly records that may be broken or have already seen historic twists in AFCON 2025:
Firsts & Oddities
Sudan became the first team ever to advance from the group stage without scoring an actual team goal — with their only win coming via an opponent’s own goal.
Golden Boot Emerging Stars
With current standouts like Díaz, Lookman, Mahrez, Osimhen and Salah all in the mix, the Golden Boot race is not only tight but features a blend of established stars and exciting talents still with games left to play.
Most Shots or Offensive Metrics
Certain match threads from AFCON 2025 note eye-catching attacking stats — such as powerful shot tallies and creativity figures — which may roll into records for most shots or chances created in a match once fully compiled by CAF and leagues. (Reddit)
Clean Sheet & Goalkeeping Feats
Goalkeepers who help nullify powerful attacks deep into the tournament could themselves join the ranks of historic defensive performers.
What’s Next
As AFCON 2025 heads toward the quarter-finals, records are under threat on both ends of the pitch — from goals scored to goals prevented.
With Morocco hosting and big names flying across Africa’s grandest stage, history feels not just within reach but unfolding before our eyes.
Would you like a live tracked leaderboard of historic AFCON records currently being challenged as the tournament progresses? I can set that up, too.