Fact File : 12 Top Scorers after Matchday 5 of the Ongoing World Cup qualifiers

The excitement is building for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Africa, as teams fiercely compete for a coveted spot in the tournament.

While national pride is on the line, individual talent is shining through, with several players demonstrating their incredible goal-scoring abilities.

As we gear up for Matchday 6 of the qualifiers, Egyptian superstar, Mohamed Salah is leading the pack with six goals, putting Egypt in a strong position at the top of Group A. But who else is making waves in the qualifiers? Let’s take a closer look at the top goal scorers in Africa’s World Cup qualifying journey so far.

12 Leading Goal Scorers

1. Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – 6 Goals

The Liverpool forward has been a game-changer for Egypt, scoring six goals, including a recent strike in their 2-0 win against Ethiopia.

The seasoned 32-year-old forward also currently sits atop the English Premier League’s goal-scoring leaderboard, having netted an impressive 27 goals across 29 league appearances in the ongoing 2024/2025 season.

Current Club: Liverpool FC (England)

2. Mahmoud Trezeguet (Egypt) – 5 Goals

Trezeguet has played a crucial role in Egypt’s attack, netting five goals and supporting Salah’s efforts beautifully.

Current Club: Al-Rayyan SC (Qatar) on loan from Trabzonspor (Turkey)

3. Jordan Ayew (Ghana) – 5 Goals

Ayew’s five goals, including one in Ghana’s impressive 5-0 victory over Chad, have been vital in keeping them at the top of Group I.

Current Club: Crystal Palace FC (England)

4. Denis Bouanga (Gabon) – 5 Goals

Bouanga’s steady performance, with five goals to his name, has greatly strengthened Gabon’s qualification hopes.

Current Club: Los Angeles FC (MLS)

5. Kamory Doumbia (Mali) – 5 Goals

Doumbia’s five goals have been key to Mali’s strong performance in the qualifiers.

Current Club: Stade de Reims (France)

6. Musa Barrow (Gambia) – 4 Goals

Barrow’s four goals have been essential in keeping Gambia’s World Cup dreams alive.

Current Club: Bologna FC (Italy)

7. Rayan Raveloson (Madagascar) – 4 Goals

Raveloson’s contributions, totaling four goals, have been instrumental in Madagascar’s impressive qualifying campaign.

Current Club: AJ Auxerre (France)

Also Read: Fact File: Yekini, Osimhen and Nigeria’s Highest Goal Scorers in History

8. Steve Mounié (Benin) – 3 Goals

Mounié’s three goals have helped keep Benin competitive in the qualifiers.

Current Club: Stade Brestois 29 (France)

9. Bertrand Traoré (Burkina Faso) – 3 Goals

Traoré’s three goals have played a crucial role in Burkina Faso’s quest for a World Cup spot.

Current Club: Aston Villa FC (England)

10. Lassina Traoré (Burkina Faso) – 3 Goals

Teaming up with his fellow countryman, Lassina Traoré has also scored three goals, showcasing Burkina Faso’s offensive prowess.

Current Club: Shakhtar Donetsk (Ukraine)

11. Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – 2 Goals

Osimhen recently found the back of the net twice in Nigeria’s 2-0 victory over Rwanda, marking his first goals in the qualifiers.

Current Club: Galatasaray (Turkey) on loan from SSC Napoli (Italy)

12. Mohamed Amoura (Algeria) – 2 Goals

Amoura’s two goals in Algeria’s 3-1 win against Botswana have been crucial for their qualification efforts.

Current Club: FC Lugano (Switzerland)

Conclusion

With several matches still to play, the race for the top goal scorer in the African 2026 World Cup qualifiers is heating up.

Stars like Salah, Trezeguet, and Ayew are leading the pack, but the upcoming games could shake up these standings.