AFCON Releases Detailed Statistics Ahead of 2015 AFCON Semi-Finals
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) published comprehensive statistics on Monday, offering insights into goals, scorers, discipline, and team performances during the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations, as the tournament prepares to enter its semi-final phase on Wednesday.
Goals and Scoring Trends
Across the 28 matches played in the group stage and quarter-finals, a total of 61 goals were scored — 45 during the group stage and 16 in the knockout round. Goals were distributed unevenly among groups, with Group C producing the most (15), followed by Group D (11), Group A (10), and Group B (9). The overall average stands at 2.17 goals per match, up from 1.87 after the group stage alone.
Of the 28 matches, 13 ended in draws, with 10 matches finishing 1-1. The quarter-finals featured 16 goals, highlighting an increase in offensive intensity as the stakes rose.
Top Scorers
Leading the scoring charts are Ahmed Akaïchi (Tunisia), Thievy Bifouma (Congo), and Javier Balboa (Equatorial Guinea), each with 3 goals. Close behind with 2 goals are notable players like Wilfried Bony and Max Alain Gradel (Ivory Coast), André Ayew and Christian Atsu (Ghana), as well as Jérémy Bokila and Dieumerci Mbokani (DR Congo).
Penalties and Own Goals
Seven penalties were awarded, with five successfully converted. Notable penalty scorers include André Ayew (Ghana) and Javier Balboa (Equatorial Guinea), while Tokelo Rantie (South Africa) and Seydou Keita (Mali) missed their spot-kicks. The only own goal of the tournament came from South Africa’s Thulani Hlatshwayo against Algeria.
Fastest and Latest Goals
The tournament’s fastest goal was scored by Zambia’s Given Singuluma just 64 seconds into their match against DR Congo. Late drama unfolded in several games with stoppage-time goals from Gervinho (Ivory Coast), Javier Balboa (Equatorial Guinea), Moussa Sow (Senegal), and Ghana’s Gyan Asamoah.
Team Attack and Defense Rankings
After the quarter-finals, Ghana leads the attacking rankings with 7 goals, while Algeria, Congo, Ivory Coast, and DR Congo follow closely with 6 each. Defensively, Cape Verde tops the charts with the fewest goals conceded, followed by Equatorial Guinea and a group including Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Gabon, Ghana, Mali, and Zambia.
Goal Timing Breakdown
Scoring has been most prolific between the 61st and 75th minutes (16 goals), followed by the final 15 minutes of regular time (12 goals). The first half has seen fewer goals, with only 16 in total, and extra time produced just one goal.
Historical Context
The current average of 2.17 goals per match sits within recent tournament trends. For comparison, the 2013 edition had an average of 2.15, while previous tournaments ranged between 1.59 (2002) and 3.0 (2008).
Disciplinary Records
Throughout the competition, referees have issued 74 yellow cards and 2 red cards. Notable dismissals include Ivorian forward Gervinho and Guinea’s goalkeeper Naby Yattara. Cameroon remains the only team without any cards, while Algeria leads with nine.
Current Team Standings
The statistics also outline team placements from 5th to 16th positions, with Congo in 5th place and Burkina Faso occupying 16th.
As the tournament intensifies, these statistics offer a window into the dynamics shaping the competition — highlighting emerging stars, tactical trends, and the drama that has captivated fans across Africa and the world.
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