The Africa Cup of Nations finals in Morocco have set a new scoring record, becoming the most prolific edition in the tournament’s history with 120 goals scored before the final, underlining a clear shift towards more attacking football across the continent.
The tally surpasses the previous record of 119 goals set at the last edition in Côte d’Ivoire and comfortably exceeds the 102 goals recorded at Egypt 2019, the first tournament staged with 24 teams. The figures suggest that the expanded format has not diluted quality or entertainment, but coincided with a rise in attacking output.
Several leading teams have driven the surge. Senegal, Nigeria, Morocco and Côte d’Ivoire all posted strong offensive performances, while a new generation of players has emerged alongside established stars. Morocco’s Ibrahim Díaz leads the scoring charts with five goals, ahead of Egypt’s Mohamed Salah and Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen, who have four each, with the race for the golden boot still open.
From the opening round, the tournament signalled an attacking trend, with coaches opting for bold tactical setups and higher defensive lines. The approach produced frequent lead changes, late winners and dramatic comebacks, contributing to the rising goal count.
Matches in the knockout stagesc ontinued to deliver goals and high-intensity play, supported by strong attendances across host cities, from Tangier to Rabat. The crowds added to a festive atmosphere that has been a consistent feature of the competition.
The record reflects broader developments in African football, including improved physical preparation, greater tactical flexibility and a growing emphasis on attacking play.
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