As AFCON 2025 in Morocco edges deeper into the knockout rounds, the Golden Boot race is no longer a side story — it is becoming a tournament within the tournament. With the Round of 16 under way, chances are fewer, defences are tighter, and every goal now feels heavier than the last.
From my experience tracking major tournaments and analysing match data using live CAF statistics dashboards, Opta-style shot maps, and post-match reports, this is usually the stage where the real contenders separate themselves from early frontrunners.
So far, Brahim Díaz has done exactly that.
The Morocco forward sits alone at the top of the scoring chart with four goals from four matches. Watching his movement closely — particularly against Tanzania in the Round of 16 — it is clear he is thriving under pressure. His latest strike not only sealed Morocco’s quarter-final place but also reinforced his growing influence as the hosts push for continental glory on home soil.
Close behind is Mali’s Lassine Sinayoko, who has quietly built one of the most consistent scoring records of the tournament. With three goals in four matches, his finishing has come at critical moments. Mali may not dominate possession, but Sinayoko’s efficiency keeps them dangerous — something the data backs up when you look at his conversion rate per shot.
Morocco’s attacking depth is further reflected in Ayoub El Kaabi, also on three goals. His physical presence in the box has complemented Díaz’s creativity, giving the Atlas Lions a balanced and difficult-to-defend frontline. From a tactical standpoint, this pairing is one of the most effective combinations left in the competition.
Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez remains a different kind of threat. Despite playing just two matches, he has already scored three goals. From watching his limited minutes, one thing stands out: Mahrez needs very little space or time to make an impact. As the knockout rounds progress, that efficiency could prove decisive.
Beyond the leading names top scorers, the scoring race is tightly packed. Several players are locked on two goals, underlining just how competitive AFCON 2025 has been. Cameroon teenager Christian Kofane, Senegal’s Pape Gueye, Egypt captain Mohamed Salah, Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, and South Africa’s Lyle Foster and Oswin Appollis are all within striking distance.
What makes this particularly interesting is that many of these players are still active in the tournament. Based on historical trends I’ve observed in past AFCON editions, Golden Boot winners often emerge from teams that reach at least the semi-finals — a factor that could soon reshape the standings.
With quarter-final places now being decided, goals are harder to come by, but they also matter more than ever. Every finish could tilt not just a match, but the race for individual honours.
As AFCON 2025 enters its most decisive phase, the battle among Africa’s sharpest finishers is wide open — and far from settled.
AFCON 2025 Top Scorers (after Round of 16)
(M = Matches played, G = Goals)
- Brahim Díaz (Morocco) – M: 4 | G: 4
On three goals:
- Ademola Lookman (Nigeria) – M: 3 | G: 3
- Lassine Sinayoko (Mali) – M: 4 | G: 3
- Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco) – M: 4 | G: 3
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – M: 3 | G: 3
- Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) – M: 2 | G: 3
- Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – M: 3 | G: 3
On two goals:
- Christian Kofane (Cameroon) – M: 3 | G: 2
- Pape Gueye (Senegal) – M: 3 | G: 2
- Lyle Foster (South Africa) – M: 4 | G: 2
- Oswin Appollis (South Africa) – M: 4 | G: 2
- Elias Achouri (Tunisia) – M: 4 | G: 2
- Raphael Onyedika (Nigeria) – M: 1 | G: 2
- Gaël Kakuta (DR Congo) – M: 1 | G: 2
- Chérif Ndiaye (Senegal) – M: 2 | G: 2
- Nicolas Jackson (Senegal) – M: 3 | G: 2
- Ibrahim Maza (Algeria) – M: 3 | G: 2
- Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire) – M: 3 | G: 2
- Geny Catamo (Mozambique) – M: 3 | G: 2
This list will be updated as AFCON 2025 progresses and more knockout matches are played.
