Morocco 2025: Senegalese star breaks Mikel, Aiyegbeni’s AFCON record

Young Senegalese forward has written his name into 1XBET Africa Cup of Nations history after breaking long-standing age records previously held by Nigerian legends John Obi Mikel and Yakubu Aiyegbeni.

The Paris Saint-Germain attacker became the youngest goalscorer at the tournament in the 21st century, ending records that had stood for more than two decades.

Senegal qualified for the quarterfinals of the Africa Cup of Nations after a strong 3–1 comeback win against Sudan on Saturday at the Tangier Grand Stadium.

Sudan shocked Senegal early in the match when Aamir Abdallah scored first. However, Senegal reacted quickly and took control of the game.

Pape Gueye scored two goals to turn the match around for the Teranga Lions. Substitute Ibrahima Mbaye later added a third goal in the 77th minute to seal the victory.

Mbaye’s goal was historic. The Paris Saint-Germain forward became the youngest player to score at the Africa Cup of Nations in the 21st century. In doing so, he broke a record that had stood for 20 years, previously held by former Super Eagles captain John Obi Mikel.

Mikel set the record during his AFCON debut for Nigeria. He came on as a substitute for Wilson Oruma and scored less than eight minutes later. At the time, Mikel was 18 years, 9 months and 5 days old. His long-range goal helped Nigeria secure a 2–0 win over Zimbabwe.

Another former Nigerian international, Victor Obinna, is third on the list of youngest AFCON goalscorers in the 21st century. He scored against Tunisia in 2006 at 18 years, 10 months and 10 days.

Other Nigerian players who scored at the Africa Cup of Nations as teenagers include Yakubu Aiyegbeni, who scored against Mali in 2002, and Julius Aghahowa, who found the net against Algeria at the same tournament.

The Taranga Lions of Senegal will face Lions of Mali in the quarter-final fixture of the tournament.