The goalscoring history of the Africa Cup of Nations extends beyond the final tournaments. The qualifiers have also produced decisive performances from players who helped their countries reach the continental competition. According to Transfermarkt's historical record for AFCON qualifying, Mohamed Salah leads with 20 goals. The ranking covers matches included in that statistical database and should be distinguished from the complete scoring records of the AFCON final tournaments.
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Who Are the All-Time Top Scorers in AFCON Qualifying?
Mohamed Salah leads Transfermarkt's historical qualifying record with 20 goals, followed by Victor Osimhen and Sadio Mané. The three headline a list featuring some of African football's biggest names.
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Mohamed Salah leads with 20 goals
The Egypt captain sits at the top with 20 goals in 28 qualifying appearances.
His record reflects a lengthy international career with a national team that also leads the AFCON title standings with seven championships.
Salah has been called up to begin the road to 2027 against Angola and South Sudan, giving him an opportunity to extend his tally.
Victor Osimhen: 17 goals in 16 matches
Second place belongs to Victor Osimhen, with 17 goals in just 16 appearances.
His goalscoring rate is particularly impressive: the Nigeria striker averages more than one goal per qualifying appearance.
However, he will not be able to improve that record during the opening two matchdays of the 2027 campaign. The Nigeria Football Federation confirmed on September 20 that he had been ruled out with a muscle injury.
Sadio Mané shares the next position
Sadio Mané has 15 goals in 35 appearances, level with Knowledge Musona and Vincent Aboubakar.
The Senegalese forward will also miss the opening international window.
New Senegal coach Patrick Vieira explained that Mané's absence is due to a physical issue and indicated that he could return for future international matches.
Other notable historical scorers
Behind them are Getaneh Kebede and Stéphane Sessègnon, both with 14 goals.
El Arbi Hillel Soudani, Ryan Mendes, Issam Jemâa and Didier Drogba also feature among the competition's leading scorers.
The most interesting detail ahead of the 2027 qualifiers is that two of the top three players in the historical record will miss the opening matches.
Salah, meanwhile, will have the opportunity to extend his lead.
