* The AfCON has long been a tournament where experience can rival youth, and this edition has been no different
* From decisive late goals to moments of leadership under pressure, veteran players have continued to influence matches in decisive ways
* Aubameyang and Nsue’s inclusion in an exclusive historical ranking now places them alongside some of the most iconic names the competition has ever produced
Maravi Express
When the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations (AfCON) Morocco 2025 drew to a close on Wednesday night, the tournament delivered not only drama and qualification battles, but also moments of history.
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Among the standout storylines was the remarkable longevity of two seasoned forwards, Gabon’s Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Equatorial Guinea’s Emilio Nsue, whose goals ensured that age once again proved no barrier on Africa’s biggest stage.
With youthful talents grabbing headlines across the competition, experience also had its moment. Goals from Aubameyang and Nsue during the group phase placed both players among the oldest scorers in AfCON history.
Their strikes came in contrasting circumstances, but together they underlined the enduring value of composure, movement and game intelligence at the highest level.
The AfCON has long been a tournament where experience can rival youth, and this edition has been no different. From decisive late goals to moments of leadership under pressure, veteran players have continued to influence matches in decisive ways.
Aubameyang and Nsue’s inclusion in an exclusive historical ranking now places them alongside some of the most iconic names the competition has ever produced — and their achievements also offer perspective on longevity in African football, where careers often stretch across multiple eras of the tournament.
With the group stage concluded and knockout football starting today, their goals will be remembered not just for their immediate impact, but for what they represent in the wider story of the AfCON.
The oldest goalscorers in AfCON history
Hossam Hassan — 39 years, 5 months
The record remains firmly held by Egypt legend Hossam Hassan, who became the oldest goalscorer in AfCON history at the 2006 tournament when he scored against DR Congo in their 4-1 win over the Leopards in the quarter-finals.
His longevity and leadership helped Egypt secure continental glory that year and set a benchmark that has stood for decades.
Hassan is now the coach of Egypt at the ongoing tournament in Morocco.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 36 years, 6 months
Aubameyang moved into second place on the list after scoring for Gabon in their dramatic 3-2 defeat to Mozambique. The goal came deep into first-half stoppage time, a classic poacher’s finish that showcased his instinct and timing.
At 36 years and six months, the former African Footballer of the Year once again demonstrated his enduring relevance on the continental stage.
Even though his Gabon side will not be playing in the knock-out stage of the competition, Aubameyang has left a strong mark on the competition.
Kalusha Bwalya – 36 years, 5 months
Zambia icon Kalusha Bwalya previously occupied second place, having scored at the 2000 AfCON during their match against Senegal — when he converted a penalty in the 87th minute to help his side to a 2-2 draw in the match played in Lagos.
His goal remains one of the defining examples of longevity in African football, achieved by a player widely regarded as one of the continent’s greatest-ever forwards.
Emilio Nsue – 36 years, 3 months
Nsue joined the elite list after finding the net in Equatorial Guinea’s 3-1 loss to Algeria on Wednesday and while the result ended his side’s campaign, the goal ensured his place in AFCON history — rewarding a player who has been a consistent presence for his country across multiple tournament cycles.
The presence of Aubameyang and Nsue in this historic ranking serves as a reminder that, at the Africa Cup of Nations, experience remains a powerful currency.
Meanwhile, the race for the Golden Boot at the AfCON Morocco 2025 is finely balanced after the conclusion of the group stage, with goals spread widely across teams and continents — a reflection of the tournament’s competitive depth and attacking variety.
At the summit of the scoring charts sit Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco), Brahim Díaz (Morocco) and Riyad Mahrez (Algeria), all level on three goals apiece — and at two goals each are Lyle Foster & Oswin Appollis (both South Africa), Ademola Lookman & Raphael Onyedika (Nigeria), Geny Catamo (Mozambique), Gaël Kakuta (DR Congo), Ibrahim Maza (Algeria), Elias Achouri (Tunisia), Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire) Nicolas Jackson & Chérif Ndiaye (Senegal), Mohamed Salah (Egypt) and Lassine Sinayoko (Mali).
Each of the leading three has played a decisive role in guiding their teams into the knockout phase, combining efficiency with moments of individual quality that have shaped early narratives of the competition.
El Kaabi’s finishing has underpinned Morocco’s controlled progress on home soil, while Díaz has added a creative edge and goal threat from advanced positions —
Mahrez once again demonstrating his big-tournament pedigree, leading Algeria’s attack with composure and authority as the Desert Foxes completed a flawless group campaign.
The large chasing pack of 13 players on two goals each highlights how no single striker has yet monopolised the tournament’s attacking spotlight. The list blends established stars with players enjoying breakout moments on the continental stage.
The diversity of the two-goal group underlines AFCON’s unique rhythm: goals coming from wide forwards, attacking midfielders and central strikers alike, often spread across multiple contributors rather than concentrated in a single focal point.
It has also meant that many group matches remained open deep into the second half, with qualification battles frequently settled by fine margins and beyond the leading names, the numbers reveal an even broader attacking contribution.
Fifty-three players have scored one goal each, striking statistic that reinforces how goals have been shared across squads rather than dominated by a handful of individuals.
This distribution speaks to tactical flexibility and collective responsibility, traits that have become increasingly prominent at this edition of the tournament.
As the knockout rounds begin, the scoring charts suggest a competition still searching for a defining attacking figure. With defences expected to tighten and games decided by moments rather than momentum, the ability of the leading scorers — and those just behind them — to rise again under greater pressure may prove decisive.
For now, AFCON Morocco 2025 remains a tournament where goals are plentiful, protagonists are many, and the race for individual honours is as open as the battle for the trophy itself.—Reported by CAFonline; edited by Maravi Express
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