Top 10 Fastest AFCON Goals of All Time

Since its inception in 1957, the African Cup of Nations has produced some incredible goals, with some players setting records for the fastest goals.


*Baghdad Bounedjah of Algeria Celebrates early goal against Senegal*

Who Scored the Fastest Ever AFCON Goal?

1. Ayman Mansour, Egypt (23 seconds)

The fastest ever AFCON goal was scored by Egyptian center-forward, Ayman Mansour.

The Egyptian striker scored after only 23 seconds of play in his team's four-nil triumph over Gabon in the group stage of the 1994 AFCON in Tunisia.

2. Tijani Babangida, Nigeria (40 seconds)

The Nigerian winger scored Nigeria's first goal in the African Cup of Nations Cup semi-final game against South Africa after 40 seconds.

The Super Eagles went on to defeat Bafana Bafana by a score of two goals to nil.

3. Hassan Ahmed El Shalzy, Egypt (60 seconds)

Ahmed who was described as a devastating shooter and lethal with the feet, scored the opening goal against the Ivory Coast in the 3rd group game of AFCON 1974.

His goal in the early minutes of play contributed to his side beating Ivory Coast by 2-0 as Egypt finished top of group A while Ivory Coast finished bottom.

4. Mustapha Fetoui, Morocco (60seconds)

Moroccan defender Mustapha “Chérif” Fetoui, scored a goal in the first minute of play against Sudan as the two teams faced-off on Matchday One of the 1976 African Nations Cup.

The match ended in a tie between Morocco and Sudan in the 1976 African Cup of Nations hosted in Dire Dawa, Ethiopia.

5. Phillip Omondi, Uganda (60 seconds)

Phillip Omondi scored an early goal for Uganda in their opening game of the 1978 AFCON at the Kumasi Sports Stadium in Ghana game against Congo.

The Cranes went on to defeat Congo 3-1 with Edward Semwanga and Godfrey Kisitu also on the scoresheet. Mamounoubala scored the consolation goal for Congo

6. Gery Menayane Tueba, DR Congo (60 seconds)

Tueba scored a spectacular goal for DR Congo against Cameroon in the first minute of play during the 1992 AFCON.

Francois Omam-Biyik of Cameroon levelled scores for Indomitable Lions team coached by Redon Philippe at that time to earn a point from the match.

7. Baghdad Bounedjah,Algeria (80 seconds)

Algerians Striker Baghdad Bounedjah struck after 80 seconds at the start of the final between his side and Senegal in the 2019 African Cup of Nations.

Baghdad's lone goal helped the Desert Foxes of Algeria clinch the title for the second time.

8. Massaidio Haidara, Mali (92 seconds)

Mali's left back Massadio Haidara 92 seconds goal set his side to a comfortable victory against Mauritania at the 2021 African cup of Nations Group F in Cameroon.

9. Soufiane Alloudi, Morocco (120 seconds)

At the 2008 African Cup of Nations, Soufiane Alloudi scored in two minutes against Namibia.

The Atlas Lions striker added two more goals in the match to record his first ever hat trick in his team's 5-1 triumph over Namibia.

10. Kaushi, Zambia (120 seconds)

Kaushi’s goal on exactly 2 minutes against Ivory Coast at the El Mahalla Stadium in Egypt set the stage for the Ivory Coast to finish bottom of Group A at AFCON 1974.