Mohamed Salah tops 2026 World Cup qualifiers scoring chart after matchday 9

Mohamed Salah now leads the race for the top scorer in the African qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Matchday 9.

The Egyptian captain overtook Gabon’s Denis Bouanga by scoring twice in Egypt’s dominant win over Djibouti.

The Liverpool forward continues to display exceptional form for his country, bringing his tally to nine goals in nine matches.

His consistency and leadership have placed Egypt on the brink of qualification, further solidifying his role as the team’s most decisive player.

Denis Bouanga, who led the scoring charts for much of the campaign, now sits second with eight goals.

The Gabonese forward remains within striking distance and hopes to reclaim the top spot in the final round of matches.

Mali’s Kamory Doumbia and Algeria’s Mohamed Amoura also share second place, each with eight goals.

Both players have been vital to their respective nations, keeping Mali and Algeria in strong contention for qualification.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang delivered one of the standout performances of Matchday 9. The Gabonese striker netted four goals in his side’s recent fixture, propelling him into the top six scorers despite playing only five matches

. His clinical display reminded fans of his enduring quality on the international stage.

Ghana’s Jordan Ayew follows closely with seven goals from nine appearances. The Crystal Palace forward remains a key figure in Ghana’s qualification journey, consistently delivering crucial goals.

Kenya’s Michael Olunga completes the top seven with six goals. The powerful forward has proven his importance for his national side, contributing heavily to Kenya’s attacking efforts during the qualifiers.

The final round of matches promises an intense battle among Africa’s elite scorers, with only one game left to decide who will finish as the continent’s top marksman.

Salah’s current lead puts him in prime position, but Bouanga, Amoura, and Doumbia remain within reach.

Below is the top scorers’ ranking after Matchday 9:

1. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – 9 goals

2. Denis Bouanga (Gabon) – 8 goals

3. Kamory Doumbia (Mali) – 8 goals

4. Mohamed Amoura (Algeria) – 8 goals

5. Jordan Ayew (Ghana) – 7 goals

6. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang (Gabon) – 7 goals

7. Michael Olunga (Kenya) – 6 goals

With Africa’s finest forwards in blistering form, the conclusion of the qualifiers will offer both drama and excitement.

Salah’s brilliance, Bouanga’s determination, and Aubameyang’s resurgence ensure the race for the Golden Boot remains wide open until the very last whistle.

Tags: Mohamed Salah, Denis Bouanga, Kamory Doumbia, Mohamed Amoura, Jordan Ayew, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Michael Olunga, Egypt, Gabon, Ghana, Kenya, Mali, Algeria, 2026 World Cup qualifiers, African football, FIFA World Cup