The "Phoney War" is over, and the "Great Eight" have been whittled down to the Final Four. The Quarter-finals of the TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 provided the tactical masterclasses we expected, but they also delivered the individual heroics that define legacies.
In knockout football, one goal is often worth ten in the group stages. As the pressure mounted across stadiums in Rabat, Casablanca, Marrakech, and Agadir, a select group of strikers proved they have ice in their veins.
I. The Quarter-final Scoring Leaderboard
Below is the definitive list of players who found the back of the net during the Quarter-final round. While many leads the overall Golden Boot race, this table specifically highlights the "Clutch Performers" of the last 48 hours.
Top Scorers (quarter-finals)5 goals
4 goals
3 goals
2 goals
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III. Impact on the Golden Boot Race
The Quarter-finals have significantly shifted the momentum in the hunt for the Golden Boot. Victor Osimhen has now surged into a clear lead with 4 goals.
However, the real threat to his crown remains Brahim Díaz. With Morocco guaranteed two more games (the Semi-final and either the Final or 3rd Place match), and playing in front of a home crowd.
IV. Conclusion: Precision Over Volume
The Quarter-finals reminded us that at this level, you don't get five chances; you get one. The players listed above didn't just score goals; they changed the destiny of their nations.
As we look toward the Semi-finals, the question remains: Can Osimhen maintain his two-goal cushion, or will the "Home Hero" Brahim Díaz produce a Casablanca miracle to take the individual honors?