Aubameyang Goal Pushes Kalusha to Third on AFCON Oldest Scorers List
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s goal at the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2025 has reshaped a piece of continental history, pushing Zambia legend Kalusha Bwalya to third place on the list of the oldest players to score at the tournament, even as Bwalya remains the oldest player from Southern Africa ever to feature among AFCON’s oldest goalscorers.
As the group stage concluded on Wednesday night, AFCON 2025 delivered not only qualification drama but also a reminder that experience still carries immense value on Africa’s biggest football stage. While young stars dominated much of the spotlight, veteran forwards made history through moments of composure and instinct.
Aubameyang’s strike for Gabon in their dramatic 3–2 defeat to Mozambique saw the former African Footballer of the Year move into second place on the all-time list of AFCON’s oldest goalscorers. At 36 years and six months, the Gabon captain edged past Kalusha Bwalya, who had previously occupied second position.
Kalusha, however, retains a unique distinction. His goal at the 2000 AFCON, a late penalty against Senegal in Lagos when he was 36 years and five months old, still stands as the oldest AFCON goal ever scored by a player from Southern Africa, underscoring his lasting legacy in African football.
At the top of the list remains Egyptian icon Hossam Hassan, who set the benchmark at 39 years and five months when he scored against DR Congo at the 2006 tournament. Hassan’s longevity played a crucial role in Egypt’s title-winning campaign and remains unmatched.
Equatorial Guinea captain Emilio Nsue also joined the exclusive ranking at AFCON 2025, scoring at 36 years and three months in his side’s loss to Algeria, further highlighting the influence of seasoned professionals.
As the tournament moves into the knockout phase, the achievements of Aubameyang, Nsue and Kalusha Bwalya stand as powerful reminders that, at AFCON, experience continues to rival youth, and history is still being written by those who refuse to fade quietly.
