Bafana Bafana highest goal scorer in AFCON

Bafana Bafana highest goal scorer in AFCON
Credit: Icon sport

As the heartbeat of South African football, Bafana Bafana has produced a lineage of remarkable talents whose prowess in front of goal has illuminated the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments.

From the lethal finishing of Benni McCarthy to the consistent contributions of Siyabonga Nomvethe, these goal-scoring maestros have etched their names into the annals of South African football history.

In this exploration, we delve into Bafana Bafana's highest goal scorers in AFCON, tracing their impactful journeys and celebrating the legacy they've left behind on the continental stage.

Bafana Bafana's goal-scoring maestros in AFCON: A historical overview

Benni McCarthy – A striking maestro (7 goals)

Benni McCarthy
Credit: Icon sport

Retired but never forgotten, Benni McCarthy tops the list as Bafana's all-time leading goal scorer in AFCON.

Born on November 12, 1977, McCarthy's remarkable career saw him netting 7 goals in just 12 games, with an impressive average of 133 minutes per goal.

His lethal finishing and knack for finding the back of the net made him a true icon of South African football.

Shaun Bartlett – The goal-getter (6 goals)

Shaun Bartlett
Credit: Icon Sport

Another formidable force in Bafana's goal-scoring history is Shaun Bartlett.

Born on October 31, 1972, Bartlett retired with 6 goals to his name in 14 AFCON appearances.

His goals-per-match ratio of 0.43 and an average of 140 minutes per goal showcase the consistent threat he posed to opposing defenses throughout his career.

Siyabonga Nomvethe – The consistent contributor (5 goals)

Siyabonga NOMVETHE (South Africa) and ALBALDA (Spain) during the 2002 FIFA World Cup
Credit: Icon Sport

Nomvethe, born on December 2, 1977, left an enduring impact with 5 goals in 15 AFCON matches.

Despite his retirement, his legacy lives on through a goals-per-match ratio of 0.33 and an average of 219 minutes per goal.

Nomvethe's ability to consistently find the net made him a vital asset for Bafana Bafana.

Mark Williams – The goal-scoring machine (4 goals)

Retired forward Mark Williams, born on August 11, 1966, boasts a remarkable record of 4 goals in just 6 AFCON appearances.

With a stellar goals-per-match ratio of 0.67 and an average of 110 minutes per goal, Williams' efficiency in front of goal contributed significantly to Bafana Bafana's success in the tournament.

John Moshoeu – A midfield maestro's impact (4 goals)

John MOSHOEU
Credit: Icon Sport

Moshoeu, born on December 18, 1965, left an enduring legacy as a midfield maestro for Bafana Bafana.

While not primarily a striker, Moshoeu managed to score 4 goals in 19 AFCON appearances.

His unique contributions, with a goals-per-match ratio of 0.21, underscore his influence on the team's attacking dynamics.

Full list of Bafana Bafana goal scorers in AFCON

# Player / Current Club Games Minutes per Goal Goals per Match Goals
1 Benni McCarthy (Retired) 12 133′ 0.58 7
2 Shaun Bartlett (Retired) 14 140′ 0.43 6
3 Siyabonga Nomvethe (Retired) 15 219′ 0.33 5
4 Mark Williams (Retired) 6 110′ 0.67 4
5 John Moshoeu 19 405′ 0.21 4
6 Siyabonga Sangweni (Retired) 4 195′ 0.50 2
7 Bongani Zungu (Mamelodi Sundowns FC) 4 173′ 0.50 2
8 Elrio van Heerden (Retired) 5 137′ 0.40 2
9 Mandla Masango (Without Club) 2 96′ 0.50 1
10 Thembinkosi Lorch (Orlando Pirates) 2 145′ 0.50 1
11 May Mahlangu (Without Club) 3 256′ 0.33 1
12 Patrick Mayo (Retired) 3 270′ 0.33 1
13 Oupa Manyisa (Without Club) 3 175′ 0.33 1
14 Lehlohonolo Majoro (Without Club) 3 181′ 0.33 1
15 Katlego Mphela (Retired) 6 278′ 0.17 1
16 Thabo Mngomeni (Retired) 6 379′ 0.17 1
17 Tokelo Rantie (Without Club) 6 431′ 0.17 1
18 Thuso Phala (Without Club) 7 574′ 0.14 1
19 Philemon Masinga 8 606′ 0.13 1
20 David Nyathi (Retired) 8 676′ 0.13 1
21 Dumisa Ngobe (Retired) 9 533′ 0.11 1
22 Sibusiso Zuma (Retired) 12 1.048′ 0.08 1
23 Mark Fish (Retired) 16 1.470′ 0.06 1
24 Helman Mkhalele (Retired) 16 1.102′ 0.06 1

This article was most recently revised and updated 1 year ago

Rababe Koussaimi, a 22-year-old journalist, is deeply passionate about the world of sports. She grew up in a footballing environment, supporting both Bayern Munich and Wydad Athletic Club. She began her English journalism career by hosting a podcast for the first English radio station in Morocco. Currently, the Moroccan journalist channels her enthusiasm into writing and conducting extensive research, creating insightful and engaging content for GoalBall Live readers.