Mohamed Salah, one of the crucial prolific aim scorers of the previous decade, as soon as once more delivered for the Egypt nationwide group throughout its conflict with Benin on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Along with his aim within the match, the Liverpool star surpassed a long-standing file held by a Chelsea legend.
On Sunday, Egypt confronted Benin within the AFCON Spherical of 16 at Agadir Stadium in a dramatic contest that required additional time to settle. After a 1-1 draw by means of regulation, Yasser Ibrahim put Egypt forward with a header within the 97th minute, earlier than Salah sealed the victory within the a hundred and twentieth+3 minute with a deadly counterattack completed by a trivela strike, one other historic aim for the Egyptian ahead.
Along with his strike in opposition to Benin, Salah turned the fourth-highest aim scorer amongst African nationwide groups in worldwide soccer historical past, pushing his tally to 66 objectives. In doing so, the Egyptian star moved previous Chelsea legend Didier Drogba, who scored 65 objectives whereas representing Ivory Coast.
Salah had already claimed one other milestone earlier in 2025 by turning into the all-time main scorer in CAF World Cup qualifiers with 20 objectives in 29 appearances. As soon as once more, Drogba was surpassed, as the previous Chelsea striker completed his qualifier profession with 18 objectives in 19 matches, a powerful file now eclipsed by Salah.
Mohamed Salah celebrating after scoring in opposition to Benin.
With the victory over Benin, Egypt superior to the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations, securing a spot among the many event’s closing eight groups. Salah’s aspect is scheduled to return to motion on January 10 in Agadir, the place it would face the winner of the Ivory Coast vs. Burkina Faso matchup, set to be selected Tuesday.
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Who’re the highest African aim scorers?
At present sitting at 250 profession objectives, Salah ranks because the third-highest aim scorer in Liverpool’s historical past and continues to shut in on Egypt’s all-time worldwide scoring mark. As one of many favorites to raise the AFCON trophy and with the 2026 World Cup approaching, the suitable winger has ample alternative to climb additional up the record.
The all-time main aim scorer amongst African nationwide groups is Zambia’s Godfrey Chitalu, who recorded 79 objectives throughout his worldwide profession. He’s adopted by Malawi legend Kinnah Phiri with 71 objectives, whereas Egypt’s Hossam Hassan sits third with 68 objectives, putting Salah simply three objectives away from breaking into the continent’s prime three.
