The race for the AFCON 2025 Golden Boot has come alive early, with all teams now done with their Matchday One fixtures and the first clear patterns already visible, Footynaija.com reports.
Goals have been shared across the groups, but some stars have moved ahead of the pack, while other big names, including Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman, have opened their accounts and stayed in the conversation.
Three players sit joint-top of the AFCON 2025 Golden Boot race after the opening round, each with two goals to their name. Leading the way is Algeria’s captain Riyad Mahrez, who delivered a statement performance in their 3-0 win over Sudan.
Calm, clinical, and influential throughout, the former Manchester City forward once again pulled the strings in attack, showing his role as the heartbeat of a side clearly intent on making an early impact.
Senegal forward Nicolas Jackson also struck twice as the reigning champions eased past Botswana 3-0. The Bayern Munich forward looked sharp from the opening whistle, constantly stretching the defence and taking his chances.
Tunisia’s Elias Achouri completes the trio of early leaders, following his brace in a 3-1 victory over Uganda, a result that gave Tunisia a solid footing in their group.
Just behind them is a long list of players on one goal, and this is where the chart becomes especially interesting. Heavyweights such as Ademola Lookman, Mohamed Salah, Ayoub El Kaabi and Amad Diallo are all off the mark, keeping the race wide open heading into Matchday Two.
Goals have come from all areas of the pitch, defenders, midfielders, and forwards, highlighting just how unpredictable this tournament could get.
For the Super Eagles, he wasn’t just another name among the one-goal scorers. His strike secured Nigeria’s 2-1 win over Tanzania, settled nerves, and delivered a crucial three points in Group C.
That goal carried extra weight, as Lookman was already tipped as a Golden Boot contender, thanks to his consistent role in Nigeria’s attack and impressive display in the 2023 edition of this tournament.
He may be one goal behind the early leaders, but his start backs up the hype and puts him in a good position to climb the chart as the tournament unfolds. Semi Ajayi also got on the scoresheet, giving Nigeria two scorers after just one game.
The early picture has Mahrez, Jackson, and Achouri out in front, but Golden Boot races at AFCON are never settled after just one round. With proven scorers like Lookman, Salah, and others already off the mark, the leaderboard could change fast once Matchday Two kicks off.
