Ero Samson
January 24, 2024 at 4:33 PM
- The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is entering its business end
- Emilio Nsue is poised to make history at the showpiece
- Sports Brief takes a look at the past five AFCON Golden Boot winners
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is proving to be an exhilarating tournament, captivating football fans and stakeholders alike.
As the competition advances towards its crucial stages, fans eagerly anticipate more thrilling action, fuelled by the unexpected performances showcased by numerous teams so far.
Source: Getty Images
Amidst the thrill experienced throughout the AFCON, a highly coveted accolade takes centre stage—the Golden Boot award. This prestigious prize adds an extra layer of anticipation and significance to the unfolding events on the tournament.
Currently, Equatorial Guinea’s Emilio Nsue leads the scoring charts with five goals in his three appearances. The 34-year-old is on track to clinch the top scorer title, placing him among an elite group. In light of this, Sports Brief highlights the past five winners of the prestigious prize.
AFCON 2023: Ranking the Top five goalkeepers to watch at the tournament
Football
Vincent Aboubakar — Cameroon 2022
The 32-year-old was one of the standout stars of the 2023 edition of the tournament hosted in his native Cameroon.
With five goals during the course of the tournament, the forward was able to propel the Indomitable Lions to a third-place finish.
Jude Ighalo — Nigeria 2019
The 34-year-old had the continent’s best defences on string at the showpiece in Egypt. The marquee forward, who became the sixth Nigerian to win the Golden Boot at the AFCON, finished the tournament with five goals as the Super Eagles claimed bronze medal.
Junior Kabananga — DR Congo 2017
The 34-year-old former Al-Nassr forward would claim the Golden Boot of the 2017 edition of the showpiece against all odds with three goals.While it’s important to note that DR Congo had an outstanding group stage in the tournament in Gabon, they were regrettably eliminated in the quarterfinals by Ghana.
AFCON 2023 Group F Predictions, Preview: Hakimi’s Morocco aim to replicate World Cup run
Football
Andre Ayew — Ghana 2015
The Black Stars captain might not have had the dream AFCON he might have wished for, Ayew certainly etched his name into the annals of AFCON history.
The 34-year-old was crowned the top scorer of the 2015 tournament, netting three goals as Ghana progressed to the final, ultimately losing to Ivory Coast in a penalty shootout.
Emmanuel Emenike — Nigeria 2013
The ex-Fernabche forward secured the AFCON Golden Boot crown in 2013, making him the fifth Nigerian to achieve this honor. As Nigeria made their way to AFCON glory in South Africa, the industrious forward played a crucial role in guiding the Super Eagles to success in the tournament.
Ghana Journalist react following AFCON exit
In a another report, Sports Brief stated that a Ghanaian football expert criticised the Black Stars for their disappointing performance in AFCON.
Ghana experienced a last-minute collapse against the Mambas of Mozambique.
Goals from Geny Catamo and Atletico Madrid’s Renildo Mandava were sufficient to nullify the early brace from forward Jordan Ayew.
