The race for the AFCON 2025 Golden Boot is officially a “battle of the heavyweights,” but Uganda is firmly in the conversation. While the official charts currently feature Morocco’s Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi alongside Algeria’s Riyad Mahrez at the summit with 3 goals each, the Ugandan contingent is quietly climbing the ranks.
The Ugandan Front Line: 1 Goal Each
Uche Ikpeazu is officially off the mark! The St. Johnstone powerhouse scored a vital 80th-minute diving header to rescue a 1-1 draw against Tanzania on Saturday.
He joins fellow Ugandan Denis Omedi, who scored a late consolation goal in the tournament opener against Tunisia. With both players having found the net, they sit just two goals behind the leaders heading into the final, high-stakes group match against Nigeria tonight.
The Leaderboard at a Glance
1. Riyad Mahrez, Algeria, 3.
2. Brahim Diaz, Morocco, 3
3. Ayoub El Kaabi, Morocco, 3
- Ademola Lookman, Nigeria, 2
- Mohamed Salah, Egypt, 2
- Nicolas Jackson, Senegal, 2
- Uche Ikpeazu, Uganda, 1
- Denis Omedi, Uganda, 1
The “Naija” Factor
Tonight’s clash against the Super Eagles isn’t just about qualification; it’s a direct Golden Boot showdown. Uche Ikpeazu will be looking to double his tally against his father’s nation, while Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman (currently on 2 goals) is aiming to snatch the lead from the Moroccan and Algerian stars.
With the tournament average currently at 2.18 goals per match, the stage is set for a high-scoring finale to the group stages. Can a Ugandan finish among Africa’s elite? Let’s wait and see.
