AFCON 2025: Bafana Bafana duo in the mix as Golden Boot race heats up

The race for the Golden Boot at the 2025 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is wide open after the group stage, and South Africa has reason to dream. Lyle Foster and Apollis have both found the net twice, putting them firmly among the contenders as the knockout rounds begin where Bafana Bafana take on Cameroon.

At the top of the scoring charts are Morocco’s Ayoub El Kaabi and Brahim Díaz, alongside Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez, each with three goals. Their clinical finishing has powered their nations into the last 16, setting the tone for what’s been a thrilling tournament.

Just behind them is a chasing pack of 13 players on two goals and that’s where Bafana Bafana’s stars come in. Foster’s strength and composure have been key for Hugo Broos’ side, while Apollis has added pace and unpredictability in attack. They share this space with heavyweights like Mohamed Salah (Egypt), Nicolas Jackson (Senegal), and Ademola Lookman (Nigeria).

This spread of scorers tells its own story: AFCON 2025 isn’t about one dominant striker, it’s about collective firepower. Wide players, attacking midfielders, and strikers have all chipped in, making every game a nail-biter deep into the second half.

In fact, 53 different players have scored at least once, a staggering stat that underlines the tactical flexibility and team-first approach defining this edition of the tournament.

As the knockout stage looms where Bafana Bafana will take on Cameroon, the question remains: who will rise when the pressure peaks? With defences tightening and margins shrinking, Foster and Apollis will need to keep their scoring boots sharp if they’re to challenge the North African stars for the crown.

For now, AFCON 2025 is serving up goals, drama, and a Golden Boot race as unpredictable as the fight for the trophy itself.

AFCON 2025 Top scorers

3 goals

1. Brahim Díaz (Morocco)
2. Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco)
3. Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

2 goals
4. Lyle Foster (South Africa)
5. Ademola Lookman (Nigeria)
6. Geny Catamo (Mozambique)
7. Gaël Kakuta (DR Congo)
8. Ibrahim Maza (Algeria)
9. Elias Achouri (Tunisia)
10. Oswin Appollis (South Africa)
11. Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire)
12. Nicolas Jackson (Senegal)
13. Chérif Ndiaye (Senegal)
14. Raphael Onyedika (Nigeria)
15. Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
16. Lassine Sinayoko (Mali)