AFCON
AFCON 2025: Aubameyang and Nsue make history among the oldest goal scorers
As the group stage of the Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 drew to a close on Wednesday night, the tournament delivered not only drama and qualification battles but also moments of history.
Among the standout storylines was the remarkable longevity of two seasoned forwards, whose goals ensured that age once again proved no barrier on Africa’s biggest stage.
With youthful talents grabbing headlines across the competition, experience also had its moment. Goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Emilio Nsue during the group phase placed both players among the oldest scorers in Africa Cup of Nations history.
Their strikes came in contrasting circumstances, but together they underlined the enduring value of composure, movement and game intelligence at the highest level.
The AFCON has long been a tournament where experience can rival youth, and this edition has been no different. From decisive late goals to moments of leadership under pressure, veteran players have continued to influence matches in decisive ways.
Aubameyang and Nsue’s inclusion in an exclusive historical ranking now places them alongside some of the most iconic names the competition has ever produced.
Their achievements also offer perspective on longevity in African football, where careers often stretch across multiple eras of the tournament.
With the group stage concluded and knockout football looming, their goals will be remembered not just for their immediate impact, but for what they represent in the wider story of the AFCON.
The oldest goalscorers in AFCON history
Hossam Hassan – 39 years, 5 months
The record remains firmly held by Egypt legend Hossam Hassan, who became the oldest goalscorer in AFCON history at the 2006 tournament when he scored against DR Congo in their 4-1 win over the Leopards in the quarter-finals.
His longevity and leadership helped Egypt secure continental glory that year and set a benchmark that has stood for decades.
Hassan is now the coach of Egypt at the ongoing tournament in Morocco.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 36 years, 6 months
Aubameyang moved into second place on the list after scoring for Gabon in their dramatic 3-2 defeat to Mozambique.
The goal came deep into first-half stoppage time, a classic poacher’s finish that showcased his instinct and timing.
At 36 years and six months, the former African Footballer of the Year once again demonstrated his enduring relevance on the continental stage.
Even though his Gabon side will not be playing in the knock-out stage of the competition has left a strong mark on the competition.
Kalusha Bwalya – 36 years, 5 months
Zambia icon Kalusha Bwalya previously occupied second place, having scored at the 2000 AFCON during their match against Senegal.
Bwalya converted a penalty in the 87th minute to help his side to Senegal to a 2-2 draw in the match played in Lagos.
His goal remains one of the defining examples of longevity in African football, achieved by a player widely regarded as one of the continent’s greatest-ever forwards.
Emilio Nsue – 36 years, 3 months
Nsue joined the elite list after finding the net in Equatorial Guinea’s 3-1 loss to Algeria on Wednesday.
While the result ended his side’s campaign, the goal ensured his place in AFCON history, rewarding a player who has been a consistent presence for his country across multiple tournament cycles.
As the knockout stage approaches, the presence of Aubameyang and Nsue in this historic ranking serves as a reminder that, at the Africa Cup of Nations, experience remains a powerful currency.
-Cafonline
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe has praised Morocco’s King Mohammed VI for what he described as a powerful gesture of unity and reconciliation following the royal pardon granted to Senegalese supporters convicted over offences linked to the final match of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
In a statement released on Saturday, Motsepe expressed deep appreciation on behalf of CAF’s 54 member associations, hailing the Moroccan monarch’s decision as a demonstration of football’s ability to foster peace and solidarity across the continent.
“I would like to express our deep gratitude to His Majesty King Mohammed VI, may God assist him, for granting His Royal Pardon to the Senegalese supporters convicted of offences relating to the final match of the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025,” Motsepe stated.
The CAF president said the pardon reflected Morocco’s enduring commitment to African unity and highlighted football’s growing role as a bridge between nations and cultures.
“CAF has consistently emphasised its commitment to utilise football to contribute to uniting our people from different racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds,” he said.
“The pardon by His Majesty King Mohammed VI is an uplifting and motivating illustration of the power of football to unite and bring our people together in Africa and worldwide.”
Motsepe also revealed that during recent visits to both Morocco and Senegal, he had been struck by the deep historical and cultural bonds shared by the two countries.
“I was amazed and impressed when I was briefed about the historic and extensive ties between the people of Senegal and Morocco,” he added.
The statement further reinforced Morocco’s rising influence within African football, especially after successfully hosting the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and positioning itself as one of Africa’s leading football destinations ahead of the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal.
Motsepe also extended CAF’s best wishes to Africa’s representatives at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence that the continent’s teams would perform strongly on the global stage.
Among the African nations mentioned were Morocco, Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Tunisia, Ghana, South Africa, Côte d’Ivoire, Cape Verde and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
JOIN THE SPORTS VILLAGE SQUARE CHANNEL ON:
https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
By Kunle Solaja.
Former African champions Algeria and Zambia are set for an early showdown after the release of the Group I fixtures for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Algeria host Zambia on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, in what is expected to be one of the headline fixtures of the qualifying campaign, while Togo entertain Burundi in the group’s other opening tie.
The Desert Foxes are favourites to qualify, but Zambia’s growing consistency and Togo’s unpredictability could make the race highly competitive.
Algeria travel to Burundi on Matchday Two before facing Togo in back-to-back encounters across Matchdays Three and Four. Zambia also meet Burundi home and away during the same period.
The potentially decisive fixture comes on March 22, 2027, when Zambia host Algeria in a clash that could determine the final standings.
Group I Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Algeria vs Zambia
- Togo vs Burundi
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Zambia vs Togo
- Burundi vs Algeria
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Algeria vs Togo
- Zambia vs Burundi
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Togo vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Zambia
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Zambia vs Algeria
- Burundi vs Togo
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Togo vs Zambia
- Algeria vs Burundi
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
By Kunle Solaja.
African heavyweights Senegal will launch their quest for another Africa Cup of Nations appearance with a home clash against Mozambique in Group J of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers.
The Lions of Teranga, among the continent’s strongest teams in recent years, headline a group that also includes Sudan and Ethiopia.
Senegal host Mozambique on Matchday One on September 21, 2026, while Sudan tackle Ethiopia in the other opening encounter.
Senegal are strong favourites to dominate the group, but Sudan and Mozambique are expected to battle fiercely for qualification points.
The key fixtures may emerge in the double-header between Senegal and Sudan across Matchdays Three and Four, while Mozambique and Ethiopia also face each other home and away.
Senegal travel to Mozambique on Matchday Five before ending their campaign at home against Ethiopia on March 30, 2027.
Group J Fixtures
Matchday 1 — September 21, 2026
- Senegal vs Mozambique
- Sudan vs Ethiopia
Matchday 2 — October 6, 2026
- Mozambique vs Sudan
- Ethiopia vs Senegal
Matchday 3 — October 2026
- Senegal vs Sudan
- Mozambique vs Ethiopia
Matchday 4 — November 17, 2026
- Sudan vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Mozambique
Matchday 5 — March 22, 2027
- Mozambique vs Senegal
- Ethiopia vs Sudan
Matchday 6 — March 30, 2027
- Sudan vs Mozambique
- Senegal vs Ethiopia
Join the Sports Village Square channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vaz7mEIGk1FxU8YIXb0H
Why Senegal Players Were Screened At US Airport
Nigeria, Portugal Renew Rare Rivalry in World Cup Dress Rehearsal
Chelle’s Impressive Record Faces Stern Test Against Ronaldo-Led Portugal
Breaking! Uzoho suspended from Super Eagles’ next match with Sierra Leone
No longer Super League as CAF changes name of its new clubs competition
NIGERIAN FOOTBALL CHIEF EXECUTIVE, SANUSI CHARGES NIGERIAN COACHES TO BE UPRIGHT, DILIGENT
- World Cup1 week ago
Attack-minded Ivorians bullish ahead of World Cup return
- World Cup6 days ago
Rema, Davido, Burna Boy and Ayra Starr Make FIFA’s Star-Studded World Cup 2026 Official Album
- World Cup5 days ago
FIFA bans vuvuzelas from World Cup stadiums
- World Cup5 days ago
Shakira to Headline FIFA World Cup 2026 Opening Ceremony in Mexico
- International Football3 days ago
Eriksen Suffers Fresh Collapse During Denmark Friendly, Reviving Memories of Euro 2020 Ordeal
- Nigerian Football1 week ago
Soname Rewards Flamingos with N4.5m Goal Bonus After Guinea Rout
- World Cup1 week ago
Behold! Nigeria’s Gift to the World Cup: 11 Stars, No Super Eagles
- World Cup3 days ago
Pelé’s 1970 World Cup Hideaway Becomes Tourist Attraction as Mexico Hosts Tournament for Record Third Time