The 2023 African Cup of Nations unfolded as an exhilarating surprise, defying the very laws of prediction. Distinguished by a series of unexpected upsets, the tournament has earned the moniker of the “Underdog era.” Nigeria, the sole among the top five FIFA-ranked countries, reached the semi-finals and final, standing amidst the fierce competition of the low-ranked teams. 

Meanwhile, South Africa, Congo DR, and Cabo Verde, currently ranked 12th, 13th, and 14th by FIFA, emerged as formidable contenders while the eighth-ranked team, who is also the host team, won Nigeria in the final on the 11th of February 2024 to clinch their 3rd AFCON title. 

In our last article titled Insights into the AFCON 2023 group stage, we analyzed and unraveled the best 11 players who have performed wonderfully well and those players have gone on to set numerous records. Therefore, this article will delve into the remarkable goals, extraordinary awards, and numerous records etched into the history of the 2023 AFCON

AFCON 2023 Total Goals: 

The 2023 AFCON is filled with different sensational moments and historical goals.  The tournament has witnessed total goals of 116 divided into 89 in the group stage,  16 goals in the round of 16, 8 goals in the quarter-final, and 3 goals in the semi-final. Unlike the last tournament that recorded 100 goals in the competition.  

AFCON 2023 Best Player

AFCON 2023 was filled with different electrifying players.  Therefore,  after a thorough analysis of the games, Trendswatch’s best player is William Troost Ekong.  Having scored three goals as a defender and defended four clean sheets.  

AFCON 2023 Best Goalkeeper 

Determining the best goalkeeper of the AFCON 2023 lies between Nigerian and South African goalkeepers.  The duo have performed excellently well and have led their countries to silver and bronze respectively.  

However,  Trendswatch analyzed their impacts on the overall success of their teams and gave the award to Stanley Nwabali of Nigeria.  While the South African goalkeeper is highly praised for leading his team to the 3rd-place round,  Nwabali would be remembered for taking his team to the final.  

AFCON 2023 Golden Boot Award

Emilio Nsue (Equatorial Guinea):  With 5 goals, Nsue is the highest goal scorer despite his country’s elimination since the round of 16.  

AFCON 2023 Major Records

1. Most penalty kicks saved:  In a Match against Cabo Verde,  Ronwen Williams set a record as the first goalkeeper to ever save four penalty kicks in the history of AFCON.  

2. Nigeria’s most clean sheet record: Nwabali’s clean sheet against Angola equaled the 44-year-old record of Nigeria goalkeeper Ogedegbe who achieved this feat in 1980 when Nigeria won her first AFCON.  

3. The most decorated country:  Egypt can be the country with the most AFCON titles but Nigeria is the country with the most AFCON medals.  The country has won 15 medals, unlike Egypt which won 13. Also,  with a game at hand,  Nigeria is expected to increase its collection to 16 medals.  

4. Most games played:  The 2023 AFCON has produced another player who has equaled the most AFCON games played.  Andre Ayew of Ghana equalled the 36 games record set by former Cameroonian player,  Rigobert Song in their match against Mozambique.  

5. Most AFCON Competition Appearance:  Andre Ayew of Ghana and Youssef Msakni of Tunisia appeared in their first consecutive AFCON. This makes them the only third and fourth players to have achieved this feat.  

6. Most Consecutive Appearances:  Tunisia’s Appearance in the AFCON 2023 tournament made the country with 16 consecutive appearances and the highest.  

7. Most goals in a tournament: AFCON 2023 has witnessed the most goals in a single tournament with 116 goals compared to the previous ones of 100 goals.  

8. Most penalty Awarded:  the 2023 AFCON currently holds the record for the most penalty awarded in AFCON history.   With 16 penalties given,  it is the highest in the tournament’s history.  

9. Most Draw Games:  The 2023 AFCON, characterized by its attacking nature, has not only set numerous records, including the highest number of goals in a single campaign but has also marked a milestone by featuring the highest number of matches where both teams scored at least one goal. 

With an unprecedented 20 draws in 51 matches, this edition of the AFCON has ensured that every game in the tournament witnessed the net rippling with at least one goal.

The 2023 AFCON redefined expectations, earning the moniker “Underdog era.” Nigeria’s surprising journey despite a poor start, coupled with standout performances from lower-ranked teams, marked a tournament of thrilling unpredictability. 

Notable records include Ronwen Williams’ four penalty saves, Nwabali’s clean sheet equalling a 44-year-old record, and Egypt and Nigeria’s medal achievements. With 116 goals, 16 penalties, and an unprecedented 20 draws, this edition stands as the highest-scoring and most competitive in AFCON history. 

From our published article,  the Individual brilliance, exemplified by Emilio Nsue’s goal-scoring prowess, further contributes to the unforgettable legacy of the 2023 AFCON.