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There have been more than a doze hat-tricks scored at the Africa Cup of Nations, but which ones rank as the most notable in the competition's history?
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has witnessed a remarkable array of hat-tricks throughout its history, each contributing to the rich tapestry of this prestigious tournament. Throughout AFCON's history, 17 hat-tricks have been recorded, but here is an in-depth look at some of the greatest ones.
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From Ad-Diba's groundbreaking feat to Pokou's goal-scoring extravaganza, each hat-trick stands as a testament to the individual brilliance and unforgettable moments that define the Africa Cup of Nations.
Ad-Diba's Historic Feat in 1957
In the very first AFCON tournament held in Sudan in 1957, Mohamed Diab Al-Attar popularly known as Ad-Diba of Egypt, etched his name in the annals of history by scoring the first-ever hat-trick in the competition.
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He achieved this remarkable feat in the final against Ethiopia, ending up with four goals in the match as he led Egypt to a 4-0 victory and their first AFCON title. He became the first of many Egyptians to record a hat-trick at AFCON, with Pharaoh’s marksmen recording the most trebles in the competition’s history.
Egypt's Double Hat-Trick in 1963
A unique event unfolded in 1963 when Egypt played Nigeria. Both Hassan El-Shazly and Mohammed Morsi Hussein of Egypt scored hat-tricks in the same match, a rare occurrence in any football tournament. Egypt won the game with a striking 6-3 scoreline, showcasing their offensive prowess.
El-Shazly continued his remarkable goalscoring streak for Egypt, becoming the only player in AFCON history to have scored multiple hat-tricks, achieving this in both 1963 and 1970.
Laurent Pokou makes AFCON history in 1970
Ivory Coast legend Laurent Pokou is one of the greatest strikers in AFCON history, and his legacy is largely built upon his goalscoring exploits between 1968 and 1980.
The iconic goalscorer netted 14 goals in only 12 appearances at the AFCON and was the competition's all-time top scorer for 30 years before he was overtaken by Cameroon legend Samuel Eto’o.
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Pokou’s brightest moment in the spotlight came when he scored five goals in one game, helping Ivory Coast to a 6-1 victory over Ethiopia in 1970, the most goals in one match by any player in the competition even today.
Benedict McCarthy's lightning-quick hattrick in 1998
In 1998, South Africa's Benedict McCarthy stunned audiences by scoring the fastest hat-trick in AFCON history against Namibia.
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He achieved this feat in just 11 minutes, showcasing a blend of precision and agility. The Bafana Bafana legend dismantled a hapless Namibian team with goals in the 8th, 11th, and 19th minutes, before then adding another goal in the 21st minute to make it four in one game. McCarthy’s performance is widely remembered as one of the greatest scoring displays in the competition’s history, alongside Pokou.
Soufiane Alloudi's with the last AFCON hat-trick on record
10 years after McCarthy’s stunning performance against Namibia, Morocco’s Sofiane Alloudi put the Brave Warriors through another ringer with another superb hattrick.
Alloudi scored as early as the first minute against Namibia and followed it up with goals in the fifth and 28th minutes to complete a brilliant hattrick. Alloudi's three goals played a crucial role in Morocco's commanding 5-1 victory and his hat-trick in 2008 remains the last one scored at AFCON more than 15 years later.
Other notable AFCON hattricks
Several players have managed to score hattricks at AFCON, including Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o, who stands as the leading overall Cup of Nations scorer with 18 goals and netted a treble in the 2006 tournament against Angola.
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Egypt, the country with the most hattricks in AFCON history, has also seen such greats as Hossam Hassan and Mahmoud El-Gohary hit three goals in one game. In contrast, the Super Eagles of Nigeria have never had a player score a hattrick at AFCON and will be hoping that dynamic goal king Victor Osimhen will break the jinx at this year’s edition in Ivory Coast.
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