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Here is a listicle of these outstanding players who, with their goals, have not only led their teams to glory but have also captivated football fans across the continent.
1957: Ad-Diba (Egypt) - 5 Goals
Ad-Diba's remarkable scoring prowess led Egypt to their first AFCON victory.
1959: Mahmoud El-Gohary (Egypt) - 3 Goals
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El-Gohary shone as Egypt defended their title on home soil.
1962: Badawi Abdel Fattah (United Arab Republic), Mengistu Worku (Ethiopia) - 3 Goals
A joint achievement in a year marked by fierce competition.
1963: Hassan El-Shazly (United Arab Republic) - 6 Goals
El-Shazly's incredible tally remains one of the highest in AFCON history.
1965: Eustache Manglé (Ivory Coast) - 4 Goals
Manglé's goals were crucial in taking Ivory Coast to the semifinals.
1968: Laurent Pokou (Ivory Coast) - 6 Goals
Pokou emerged as a key player, setting a high bar for future tournaments.
1970: Laurent Pokou (Ivory Coast) - 8 Goals
Pokou, again, with a record-breaking performance.
1972: Fantamady Keita (Mali) - 5 Goals
Keita's striking skills led Mali to an impressive debut.
1974: Ndaye Mulamba (Zaire) - 9 Goals
Mulamba set an all-time record, propelling Zaire to victory.
1976: Roger Milla (Cameroon) - 4 Goals
A young Milla began his journey to becoming an African football legend.
1978: Opoku Afriyie (Ghana), Segun Odegbami (Nigeria), Philip Omondi (Uganda) - 3 Goals
A three-way tie in a year of closely contested matches.
1980: Khalid Labied (Morocco) - 3 Goals
Labied's goals were vital in Morocco's path to their first title.
1982: George Alhassan (Ghana) - 4 Goals
Alhassan played a pivotal role in Ghana's triumph.
1984: Taher Abouzaid (Egypt) - 4 Goals
Abouzaid's performance was a highlight in a tournament dominated by Egypt.
1986: Roger Milla (Cameroon) - 4 Goals
Milla, instrumental in Cameroon's second AFCON win, showcased his enduring class.
1988: Lakhdar Belloumi (Algeria), Roger Milla (Cameroon), Abdoulaye Traoré (Ivory Coast) - 2 Goals
A rare three-way tie, highlighting a defensively strong tournament.
1990: Djamel Menad (Algeria) - 4 Goals
Menad's goals helped secure Algeria's maiden AFCON title on home turf.
1992: Rashidi Yekini (Nigeria) - 4 Goals
Yekini's prowess began to shine, marking the start of a legendary career.
1994: Rashidi Yekini (Nigeria) - 5 Goals
Yekini, again top scorer, propelled Nigeria to their second AFCON title.
1996: Kalusha Bwalya (Zambia) - 5 Goals
Bwalya's inspiring performance was a tribute to the fallen 1993 Zambian team.
1998: Benni McCarthy (South Africa) - 7 Goals
McCarthy's record-breaking feat led South Africa to their first-ever final.
2000: Shaun Bartlett (South Africa), Patrick Mboma (Cameroon) - 4 Goals
A tie reflecting the intense competition between South Africa and Cameroon.
2002: Julius Aghahowa (Nigeria), Patrick Mboma (Cameroon), Salomon Olembé (Cameroon) - 3 Goals
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Another tie in a tournament marked by Cameroon's back-to-back victories.
2004: Frédéric Kanouté (Mali), Jay-Jay Okocha (Nigeria), Patrick Mboma (Cameroon), Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon) - 4 Goals
An unprecedented four-way tie in a tournament of high-scoring matches.
2006: Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon) - 5 Goals
Eto'o's remarkable performance solidified his status as a top African striker.
2008: Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon) - 5 Goals
Eto'o, consistent as ever, retained the top scorer title.
2010: Gedo (Egypt) - 5 Goals
Emerging as a surprise hero, Gedo was crucial in Egypt's triumphant campaign.
2012: Emmanuel Mayuka (Zambia), Cheick Diabaté (Mali), Christopher Katongo (Zambia), Didier Drogba (Ivory Coast), Houssine Kharja (Morocco) - 3 Goals
A five-way tie in a tournament full of surprises and underdog triumphs.
2013: Emmanuel Emenike (Nigeria) - 4 Goals
Emenike's crucial goals led Nigeria to their third AFCON title.
2015: André Ayew (Ghana), Dieumerci Mbokani (DR Congo), Javier Balboa (Equatorial Guinea), Thievy Bifouma (Congo) - 3 Goals
A multi-player tie in a tournament showcasing emerging talents.
2017: Junior Kabananga (DR Congo) - 3 Goals
Kabananga stood out in a tournament celebrated for its defensive prowess.
2019: Odion Ighalo (Nigeria) - 5 Goals
Ighalo's striking skills shone, marking him as one of Africa's finest forwards.
2021: Vincent Aboubakar (Cameroon) - 8 Goals
From Ad-Diba's initial dominance in 1957 to Vincent Aboubakar's striking prowess in 2021, the Africa Cup of Nations has seen a multitude of top scorers who have not only led their teams to glory but have also become icons of African football.
Their achievements serve as a testament to the evolving talent and competitiveness of the continent's premier football tournament.