African FIFA World Cup Qualifiers in Stats: Bafana Bafana Back, Records Tumble

From Siphiwe Tshabalala’s iconic strike in 2010 to Oswin Appollis’s creative spark in 2025, South Africa’s World Cup journey has come full circle. 

As Bafana Bafana prepare for their first global finals in 16 years, here’s a look at the standout numbers from African qualifying.

16 Years Later South Africa are back at the FIFA World Cup for the first time since hosting in 2010. Algeria and Côte d’Ivoire also return after eight-year absences, while DR Congo could end a 52-year drought if they win their play-off.

Appollis Among Africa’s Creators 

South Africa’s Oswin Appollis registered 4 assists, placing him among the continent’s top providers. Only Ghana’s Jordan Ayew (7) had more, with Appollis tied alongside Riyad Mahrez and Comoros’s Youssouf M’Changama.

Morocco Match South Africa’s Record

Morocco’s eight straight wins equalled South Africa’s record of 9 consecutive World Cup qualifying victories, set between 1997 and 2001 by legends like Mark Fish, Lucas Radebe, and Benni McCarthy.

Clean Sheet Kings 

Côte d’Ivoire and Tunisia went through all 10 matches without conceding. Tunisia’s Aymen Dahmen and Bechir Ben Said combined for 10 shutouts, while Yahia Fofana and Alban Lafont starred for Les Éléphants.

900-Minute Men 

Ten outfielders played every minute of qualifying, including Namibian Aprocius Petrus and Ugandan Kenneth Semakula. Nigeria’s Calvin Bassey and Senegal’s Kalidou Koulibaly also featured in every second.

Salah Sets Scoring Record 

Mohamed Salah became the all-time top scorer in African qualifying with 20 goals, surpassing Drogba, Eto’o, Slimani, and Dagano (all on 18). He netted 9 times in this campaign alone.

Amoura’s Late Surge 

 Algeria’s Mohamed Amoura scored 10 goals in his last 6 games, overtaking Salah to finish as the round’s top scorer. Gabon’s Denis Bouanga and Mali’s Kamory Doumbia followed with 8 each.

Kamara’s Header at 41 

Sierra Leone’s Kei Kamara, aged 41 years and 3 days, scored a stunning header from outside the box. Only Zambia’s Kalusha Bwalya (41 years, 19 days) was older when scoring in African qualifying.

Tunisia Top the Table 

Tunisia finished with 28 points from 30, ahead of Côte d’Ivoire (26), Egypt (26), Ghana (25), Algeria (25), and Gabon (25). Yet Gabon missed out after finishing second in their group.

Mauritius End 20-Year Wait 

Mauritius beat Eswatini 2-1 for their first World Cup qualifying win since 2003. São Tomé and Príncipe also ended a 10-year drought, while Seychelles and South Sudan are still chasing their first-ever win.

Biggest Win Ever 

Côte d’Ivoire’s 9-0 demolition of Seychelles set a new African qualifying record, eclipsing Libya’s 8-0 win in 2003 and Algeria’s 8-0 in 2021. The return leg ended 7-0 – the biggest away win in CAF history.

Aubameyang’s Four-Goal Show 

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang scored 4 goals in Gabon’s 4-3 comeback win over The Gambia. He joins an elite club including Roger Milla, Francileudo Santos, Adebayor, Slimani, and Salah.