NEW RECORD IN AFRICA
Africa Cup of Nations – A new Record for Goal Scoring Defenders
Nigeria’s captain William Troost-Eking (picture) scored the opening goal in African Nations Cup final against Ivory Coast. Though his team was defeated 1-2, his goal set a number new of records for goal scoring defenders.
Most goal scoring defender in one edition: Troost-Ekong, who had already scored against Ivory Coast in the first round and South Africa in semi-final, scored his 3rd goal in CAN 2023, equalizing the record of Libya’s Ali Al-Beshari (1982) the latest scored also in the semi-final and final, against Zambia (2 goals) and Ghana respectively.
Goal scoring defender in most editions: having already scored against South Africa in 2019 and Guinea-Bissau in 2021, Troost-Ekong became the second defender to score in 3 different editions, after his former country mate Stephen Keshi (1982, 1984 and 1992), and the first to achieve this record in 3 consecutive editions (2019, 2021, and 2023).
Most goal scoring defender overall: Troost-Ekong also reached 5 overall CAN goals, setting a new record for defenders by surpassing Keshi, who scored only 4 goals.
G | Player | Country | Position | Year(s) |
| | | | |
5 | William Troost-Ekong | Nigeria | Centre-Back | 2019, 2021, 2023 |
| | | | |
4 | Stephen Keshi | Nigeria | Centre-Back | 1982, 1984, 1992 |
| | | | |
3 | Ali Al-Beshari | Libya | Centre-Back | 1982 |
3 | Elijah Litana | Zambia | Centre-Back | 1994, 1996 |
3 | Ahmed El Mohamady | Egypt | Right-Back | 2010, 2019 |
3 | Achraf Hakimi | Morocco | Right-Back | 2021, 2023 |