AFCON 2025 Shatters Goal Record With 120 Scores

African football just proved it's playing bolder, braver, and more beautiful than ever before.

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has shattered the competition's scoring record, tallying 120 goals before Sunday's final match. That beats the previous record of 119 goals set just two years ago in Côte d'Ivoire.

The goal explosion didn't happen by accident. Coaches across the tournament adopted attacking tactics and trusted their forwards to take risks, creating thrilling matches filled with individual brilliance and creative teamwork.

Morocco's Brahim Díaz leads the Golden Boot race with five goals, while Egypt's Mohamed Salah and Nigeria's Victor Osimhen have each netted four. With the third-place playoff and final still to play, someone could still claim the top scorer crown.

The tournament expanded to 24 teams in 2019, and skeptics worried it would water down the quality. Instead, AFCON 2025 proved the format creates more opportunities for exciting football, with competitive matches across both group and knockout stages delivering late winners, dramatic comebacks, and edge-of-your-seat entertainment.

Traditional powerhouses like Senegal, Nigeria, Morocco, and Côte d'Ivoire brought depth and attacking variety. But emerging stars matched the established names step for step, showing that Africa's talent pool keeps growing deeper and more confident.

The Ripple Effect

The record represents more than just numbers on a scoreboard. It signals a fundamental shift in how African teams approach the game, trading cautious defending for tactical flexibility and attacking belief.

Morocco's vibrant stadiums from Tangier to Rabat provided the perfect backdrop, with passionate home crowds enhancing every goal celebration. But the attacking revolution extends far beyond one host nation.

Young players across the continent are watching their heroes score with confidence on the biggest stage. They're learning that African football doesn't need to play it safe anymore, that creativity and ambition can thrive under pressure.

The tournament has already secured its place in history, not just for breaking records but for showcasing the future promise of African football. As the final approaches, one thing is clear: the beautiful game is thriving across the continent, and the world is watching.