Egypt’s Salah eclipses Eto’o, Drogba to set new AFCON record

Mohamed Salah has etched his name deeper into Africa Cup of Nations history after setting a new scoring milestone during Egypt’s dramatic quarter-final victory at AFCON 2025.

The Liverpool forward’s goal against Ivory Coast saw him surpass legends Samuel Eto’o and Didier Drogba in a prestigious all-time AFCON record.

With his second-half strike against Ivory Coast, Salah became the player to score against the most different national teams in AFCON history, extending his record to 11.

The Egyptian captain now stands alone at the top, ahead of African greats Samuel Eto’o, Didier Drogba and André Ayew, who are all tied on 10.

Salah’s historic goal came as Egypt reasserted control early in the second half of a pulsating quarter-final. After Omar Marmoush opened the scoring in the fourth minute and Rami Rabia headed home Salah’s cross to make it 2–0, the Pharaohs saw their lead cut by an Ahmed Fatouh own goal before the break.

Salah’s calm finish after halftime restored Egypt’s two-goal cushion and underlined his enduring influence on the continental stage.

Egypt’s 3–2 victory over the Elephants sealed their place in the AFCON 2025 semi-finals and capped another resilient display from Hossam Hassan’s side.

Ivory Coast threatened a late comeback when Guela Doué pulled a goal back from a corner in the 72nd minute, but Egypt held firm to book a meeting with Senegal in the last four.

Having already come through extra time against Benin Republic in the Round of 16, the Pharaohs once again showed their tournament strength.

With Salah in record-breaking form and leading from the front, Egypt now move one step closer to reclaiming the AFCON crown.