Rabat, Morocco: The 35th Africa Cup of Nations delivered one of the most statistically remarkable tournaments in the competition’s history, with historic milestones set by players and national teams across the continent.
From record-breaking goal tallies to individual feats by Africa’s biggest stars, here are 13 records that were broken during the Morocco 2025 championship, according to compiled tournament data (credit: AceOdds.com).
Overall Tournament Record
1. Most goals scored at AFCON
The 35th AFCON set a new scoring benchmark with 121 goals, surpassing the previous record of 119 goals set at AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast.
Player Records
2. Mohamed Salah enters AFCON top five scorers
Mohamed Salah scored four goals in Morocco 2025 to reach 11 career AFCON goals, placing him joint-fifth on the all-time scorers’ list.
3. Latest goal ever scored at AFCON
Salah set a new record by scoring in the 120+4th minute during Egypt’s extra-time clash with Benin — the latest goal in AFCON history.
4. Goals in every AFCON appearance
Salah joined an elite group of players with at least four AFCON appearances who scored in every tournament they featured in, alongside Samuel Eto’o, Kalusha Bwalya, Didier Drogba, Rashidi Yekini and Joël Tiéhi.
5. First Egyptian to score in five AFCON tournaments
Salah became the first Egyptian to score in five different AFCON editions.
6. Second-highest Egyptian AFCON scorer
With 11 goals, Salah tied Hossam Hassan as Egypt’s second-highest AFCON scorer, trailing only Hassan El-Shazly (12).
7. Goals scored against 11 different national teams
Salah became the first player in AFCON history to score against 11 different national teams, including Ghana, Uganda, Morocco, Ivory Coast and South Africa.
8. Sadio Mané’s 20 goal contributions
Sadio Mané became the first player to reach 20 goal contributions (goals + assists) at AFCON, finishing with 11 goals and 9 assists.
Team Records
9. Most AFCON medals overall
After finishing as second runners-up, Nigeria extended their record to 17 AFCON medals, more than any other nation.
10. Most bronze medals
Nigeria also extended their record for the most bronze medals, winning their 9th third-place finish.
11. Most AFCON appearances
Egypt marked their 27th Africa Cup of Nations appearance, extending their all-time record.
12. Most matches played, won and goals scored
Egypt further extended their records for: Matches played: 118, Matches won: 64 and Goals scored: 184
13. Most matches lost at AFCON (joint record)
Ivory Coast and DR Congo each reached 31 AFCON defeats, jointly holding the record for most losses in tournament history. Ivory Coast also extended their record for most goals conceded overall (117).
14. Most consecutive AFCON appearances
Tunisia extended their record with a 17th consecutive AFCON appearance.
Statistics and records courtesy of AceOdds.com.
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