The African Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2019, hosted by Egypt, was a thrilling showcase of African football talent. While Algeria ultimately lifted the trophy, the tournament also saw some individual brilliance. One of the most coveted individual awards in football is the Golden Boot, awarded to the player who scores the most goals in the tournament. In 2019, the title of AFCON top scorer went to Odion Ighalo of Nigeria.
Odion Ighalo: A Journey to the Top
Ighalo, a seasoned striker who has played for clubs like Watford and Manchester United, led the Nigerian attack with his clinical finishing and sharp instincts. He netted five goals in seven appearances, proving instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to a third-place finish in the tournament.
His goals came against Burundi, Tunisia, Algeria (twice), and a penalty against Cameroon in the round of 16. Ighalo’s goals were crucial in helping Nigeria navigate a challenging group stage and progress deep into the tournament.
Other Contenders for the Golden Boot
While Ighalo’s five goals were enough to secure the Golden Boot, several other players put in impressive performances.
- Riyad Mahrez (Algeria): The Algerian captain played a pivotal role in his team’s historic AFCON triumph, scoring three goals and providing three assists. His contributions earned him the Player of the Tournament award.
- Cédric Bakambu (DR Congo): The Congolese striker was another standout performer, scoring three goals and leading his team to the round of 16.
- Sadio Mané (Senegal): Despite Senegal finishing as runners-up, Mané had a relatively quiet tournament by his standards, scoring three goals. However, his overall play and leadership were vital for the Lions of Teranga.
The Significance of Ighalo’s Achievement
Winning the Golden Boot at the AFCON is a prestigious honor that cements a player’s status as one of the continent’s most prolific goalscorers. For Ighalo, it was a fitting reward for his consistent performances and dedication to the Nigerian national team. His goalscoring exploits in the tournament further solidified his legacy as one of Nigeria’s greatest strikers.
A Tournament of Goals and Excitement
The 2019 AFCON was not only about individual brilliance but also about the overall quality of football on display. The tournament witnessed a total of 102 goals, an average of 2.55 goals per game, making it one of the highest-scoring AFCONs in recent history.
The tournament saw several memorable matches, including Algeria’s 1-0 victory over Senegal in the final and Nigeria’s dramatic 2-1 win over South Africa in the quarterfinals.
Conclusion
The African Cup of Nations 2019 will be remembered for its exciting matches, passionate fans, and the emergence of new stars. Odion Ighalo’s Golden Boot-winning performance was a testament to his goalscoring prowess and his contribution to Nigeria’s successful campaign. The tournament also showcased the depth of talent in African football, with players from various countries making their mark on the international stage.
FAQs
Q: Who won the African Cup of Nations in 2019?
A: Algeria won the AFCON 2019, defeating Senegal 1-0 in the final.
Q: How many goals did Odion Ighalo score in AFCON 2019?
A: Odion Ighalo scored five goals in the tournament, making him the top scorer.
Q: Where was the African Cup of Nations 2019 held?
A: The 2019 AFCON was hosted by Egypt.
Q: Which other players scored three or more goals in AFCON 2019?
A: Riyad Mahrez, Cédric Bakambu, and Sadio Mané also scored three goals each in the tournament.
Q: Is Odion Ighalo still playing professional football?
A: Yes, Odion Ighalo is currently playing for Al-Hilal in the Saudi Professional League.
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