Kersley Appou Breaks Roger Milla’s Record as Oldest African International
Nouakchott, Mauritania – Mauritian forward Kersley Appou has officially become the oldest player to represent an African national team, surpassing the legendary Cameroonian striker Roger Milla’s long-standing record.
Appou, aged 43, made his historic appearance over the weekend during Mauritius’ 1-0 defeat to Mauritania in the first leg of the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) preliminary round. He was brought on as a substitute in the first half of the match held in Nouakchott, marking a milestone in African football history.
Previously, the record had been held for two decades by Roger Milla, who played for Cameroon at the age of 42 years and 39 days. Milla rose to global prominence for his flamboyant performances at the 1990 and 1994 World Cups, famously becoming the oldest player to both play and score in a World Cup match. He achieved that feat at USA 1994 during Cameroon’s 4-1 loss to Russia, where he netted his iconic goal at 42 years old.
While Appou now holds the African record for oldest international player, the global title for the oldest footballer to participate in a professional match remains with MacDonald Taylor Sr. of the U.S. Virgin Islands. Taylor played at the international level at the remarkable age of 46 years and 217 days.
Appou’s appearance underscores the enduring passion and resilience among African players, many of whom continue to defy age barriers in pursuit of representing their countries on the international stage. A veteran of Mauritian football, Appou’s career has spanned over two decades and includes numerous appearances for the national side.
The match itself, however, ended in disappointment for Mauritius, who will need to overturn the 1-0 deficit in the return leg to progress further in AFCON qualifying.
Despite no longer holding the record, Roger Milla’s influence remains indelible in African football. His achievements continue to inspire generations of players across the continent. Appou’s milestone adds a new chapter to that legacy—highlighting how age, while a factor, is far from a limitation in the beautiful game.
