Most important goals in the Africa Cup of Nations

Ademola Lookman's two goals against Cameroon in the AFCON 2025 Round of 16 were instrumental in securing Nigeria's victory and their progression to the next stage. These strikes showcased his ability to perform under pressure and turn the tide in a crucial continental tournament match.

This goal was Senegal's opening strike in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, securing a crucial lead in their Group D opener against Botswana. It set the stage for a dominant 3-0 victory and was part of a brace that cemented Senegal's position as a strong contender in the tournament.

This goal was instrumental in Tanzania's historic qualification for the Round of 16 at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. It allowed Tanzania to advance over Angola on the tie-breaker of goals scored, despite having identical points and goal difference. Salum's strike secured a 1-1 draw against Tunisia, a result that sealed the 'Taifa Stars'' progression to the knockout stage for the first time in their history.

This goal is significant as one of only seven goals ever scored in the first minute of an Africa Cup of Nations tournament. It was also crucial in Egypt's 2-0 victory over Ivory Coast in the 1974 AFCON, showcasing El-Shazly's ability to impact matches from the very start.

This goal is notable for its swiftness, scored in the very first minute of the match, making it one of the earliest goals in Africa Cup of Nations history. Its impact was crucial for Morocco on their path to winning the 1976 tournament, demonstrating the team's early determination.

This goal was Samuel Eto'o's first in an Africa Cup of Nations final, opening the scoring for Cameroon in a match they ultimately won on penalties. Its immediate impact gave Cameroon a crucial lead and set the stage for their tournament victory. The goal also marked Eto'o's emergence as a future star of African football.

This achievement represents a historic record in the Africa Cup of Nations, as Laurent Pokou scored five goals in a single match, an unprecedented feat. His individual performance was crucial for Ivory Coast's victory and set a milestone that endures in the tournament's memory.

This goal was the climax of one of the most emotional and surprising victories in Africa Cup of Nations history. It sealed Zambia's penalty shootout triumph against favored Ivory Coast, completing an inspiring underdog story and a tribute to Zambian football's tragic past.

This goal was crucial as it decided the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations final in the 85th minute, securing Egypt's seventh title and a record third consecutive victory. Mohamed Gedo's strike, scored by a substitute, not only delivered the win but also cemented Egypt's legacy as a dominant force in African football.

This goal was crucial in securing South Africa's first and only Africa Cup of Nations title, a historic achievement on home soil. Scored by Mark Williams in the 1996 final, it represented a moment of immense national pride and unity for the country.

This goal was a moment of significant impact in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations, as Jonathan Ayité's strike shocked Ivory Coast, a team that had not conceded a single goal in normal play in the previous tournament. The goal showcased Togo's ability to challenge the favorites and generated considerable excitement in the match.

This penalty goal by Mubarak Wakaso was the decisive opening strike in a 2013 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final match, breaking the deadlock and setting Ghana on their path to the semi-finals. Its impact was immediate and direct, as the game was evenly poised until that moment, and the goal shifted the momentum in Ghana's favour.

This goal was the sole strike in Burkina Faso's 1-0 victory over Togo in the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals, securing their nation's passage to the semi-finals. It represented a pivotal moment for Burkinabè football, propelling the team to their first-ever AFCON final and generating significant emotional impact in the country.

This goal was crucial in securing Nigeria's victory in the AFCON 2025 Round of 16, showcasing Osimhen's ability to score under high pressure. His impact on the match, with a goal and an assist, was key to the team's superiority and their progression in the tournament.