The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco has become the highest-scoring edition in the tournament’s history, overtaking every previous AFCON and even surpassing Euro 2024, according to figures released by Confederation of African Football.
After 49 matches, 120 goals have been scored at AFCON 2025 – an average of 2.45 goals per game – with the third-place play-off and final still to be played, meaning the total is set to rise further.
By comparison, Euro 2024, which featured the same 24-team format, produced 117 goals across 51 matches, highlighting the attacking output and entertainment value of the African tournament.
A shift in African football’s identity
The numbers underline what has been evident throughout the competition: African football is no longer defined by caution alone, but by tempo, tactical maturity and attacking ambition.
Writing in Le Parisien, the French newspaper described the figures as more than a statistical milestone, arguing they reflect a deeper transformation in the African game – one driven by improved coaching standards, better physical preparation and greater tactical flexibility among players.
The trend has been particularly striking in the knockout stages, traditionally associated with conservative football. Instead of tightening up, AFCON 2025 has continued to deliver goals, open contests and late drama.
Breaking long-held stereotypes
For decades, African tournaments were often contrasted unfavourably with European competitions in terms of structure and attacking consistency. Morocco 2025 has challenged that perception head-on.
Teams have pressed higher, built attacks with greater patience and shown confidence in individual creativity, resulting in matches that have remained open well into the latter stages.
With only two games left, the tournament is already assured of its place among the most memorable AFCON editions – not just for its atmosphere and organisation, but for its football.
A tournament still rising
As the competition heads toward its climax, the record goal tally is expected to increase further, strengthening the case that AFCON now sits comfortably alongside Europe’s major tournaments in quality and spectacle.
Morocco 2025 has not only delivered numbers, but a statement: African football has entered a new attacking era on the global stage
