AfriPulse
Morocco forward Brahim Diaz finished as the top scorer at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), claiming the Golden Boot with five goals despite the hosts falling short in the final.
The Real Madrid attacker emerged as one of the tournament’s standout performers, delivering a consistent scoring return throughout Morocco’s run to the final on home soil.
Historic scoring run
Diaz enjoyed an impressive debut AFCON campaign, making history as the first Moroccan player to score in five consecutive matches at the tournament.
He opened his account in Morocco’s 2-0 victory over Comoros before finding the net against Mali, Zambia, Tanzania and Cameroon.
His goals were central to the Atlas Lions’ progress through the group stage and knockout rounds, including their semi-final victory over Nigeria’s Super Eagles, which set up a final clash with Senegal.
Brahim Diaz was awarded highest goal scorer of the tournament – Credit: Fabrizio Romano on X
Final ends in disappointment
Despite Morocco’s strong showing, the tournament ended in heartbreak in the final.
The hosts were beaten 1-0 by Senegal after extra time, with Diaz at the centre of a defining moment late in normal time.
Morocco were awarded a penalty in the closing seconds, but Diaz’s attempted panenka was saved by Senegal goalkeeper Édouard Mendy.
Senegal capitalised in extra time to secure their second AFCON title, leaving Morocco to reflect on a missed opportunity.
Osimhen, Salah close behind
Nigeria striker Victor Osimhen and Egypt captain Mohamed Salah finished joint second on the scoring chart with four goals each.
Super Eagles winger Ademola Lookman ended the competition with three goals, alongside Amad Diallo, Youssef El Kaabi, Riyad Mahrez, Lassine Sinayoko and Senegal midfielder Pape Gueye.
Gueye’s extra-time strike in the final ultimately proved decisive in separating the two teams.
While the final result will be a painful memory for Diaz, his Golden Boot and record-setting scoring run stand out as a significant personal achievement and a key positive for Morocco’s AFCON 2025 campaign.
Source: Gistreel | Read the Full Story…
