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