Jordan (R) and Salah (M) battle for a ball during the 2024 AFCON
After a nine-month break, the quest to represent Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup resumes today, March 19, 2025.
After four matchdays, the goal-scoring chart is taking shape, with the Egyptian duo Mohamed Salah and Trezeguet leading the way.
Here’s a look at the standout scorers so far:
Mohamed Salah
The forward has scored five goals in four games, making him the top scorer of the qualifiers. The most recent was an equalizer in the Pharaohs’ 1-1 draw with Guinea-Bissau back in June 2024.
Salah’s four goals in Egypt’s 6-0 thrashing of Djibouti during the first round of qualifying games means that the Liverpool forward has led the chart since December 2023.
Trezeguet
Trezeguet’s five goals mean he is tied at the top with his fellow countryman Mohamed Salah. The 30-year-old midfielder has been in outstanding form for Egypt in the qualifiers, earning them valuable points.
Trezeguet scored his first goal in Egypt’s 6-0 win over Djibouti back in 2023. He followed it up with a brace against Sierra Leone, leading Egypt to a 2-0 victory. His remaining two goals came against Burkina Faso, where the midfielder scored another brace, securing a 2-1 win and all the three points for the Pharaohs.
Jordan Ayew comes in third place. He didn’t score until matchday 3 of the qualifiers, but he inspired the Black Stars to a 2-1 win over Mali, scoring a crucial goal at Bamako in June 2024.
Four days later, the Leicester City forward recorded a hat-trick against the Central African Republic at the Baba Yara Sports Stadium, leading the Black Stars to a thrilling 4-3 victory. These goals brought his tally to four after four games in the qualifiers.
Other top scorers
Eight players are currently tied in fourth place, each with three goals:
Denis Bouanga (Gabon)
Patson Daka (Zambia)
Kamory Doumbia (Mali)
Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco)
Seko Fofana (Ivory Coast)
Louis Mafouta (Central African Republic)
Myziane Maolida (Comoros)
Abdallah Sudi (Burundi)
Meanwhile, watch Black Stars’ first training session ahead of Chad game
FKA/EK
