Biggest AFCON Scorelines: The highest-scoring matches in the history of Africa’s grand tournament

A list of the most astonishing scorelines in the history of the African Cup of Nations.

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been a showcase of African football prowess since its inception in 1957. Over the years, it has witnessed some spectacular scorelines that have etched themselves into the annals of football history.

Egypt's Goal Fiesta: Egypt 6-3 Nigeria (1963)

In a match that defined attacking prowess, Egypt and Nigeria faced off in a remarkable encounter in 1963, with Egypt emerging victorious in a 6-3 thriller. This match holds the record for the most goals scored in one AFCON match, showcasing the attacking talents and the high-scoring nature of African football.

Ivory Coast's Dominant Display: Ivory Coast 6-1 Ethiopia (1970)

The 1970 AFCON saw Ivory Coast assert their dominance with a remarkable 6-1 victory over Ethiopia. This match is not only memorable for its one-sided scoreline but also for Laurent Pokou's individual brilliance, as he scored a staggering five goals in this single match, making it one of the most memorable performances in AFCON history.

Ghana's Early Dominance: Ghana 5-2 Tunisia (1963)

In the same year that Egypt beat Nigeria with a high score, Ghana, another powerhouse of African football, displayed their dominance with a 5-2 victory over Tunisia. This match highlighted Ghana's attacking prowess and set the tone for their future successes in the tournament.

Nigeria's Resilient Comeback: Nigeria 6-2 Ethiopia (1976)

In the 1976 AFCON, Nigeria showcased their resilience and attacking flair in a match against Ethiopia. The Super Eagles, overcoming a tough challenge, registered a commanding 6-2 victory, marking one of the tournament's most significant scorelines.

Cameroon's Statement Win: Cameroon 5-1 Zaire (1978)

Cameroon, one of Africa's most successful football nations, made a statement in the 1978 tournament with a 5-1 win over Zaire. This game was a testament to Cameroon's rising status in African football and their ability to produce results on the big stage.

Algeria's Goal Fest: Algeria 5-1 Nigeria (1984)

In 1984, Algeria put up a spectacular performance against Nigeria, winning the game with a 5-1 scoreline. This match was a showcase of Algeria's technical skills and offensive capabilities, underscoring their status as one of the formidable teams in African football.

The Goal Machines: Egypt, Cote d'Ivoire, Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana

Over the years, several teams have consistently found the back of the net, with Egypt leading the pack with a total of 168 goals in the tournament's history. Cote d'Ivoire follows with 143 goals, while Nigeria and Cameroon are tied in the third position with 137 goals each. Ghana's Black Stars round up the top goal-scoring teams with 133 goals.

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