17-Year-Old Seals Senegal’s Quarter-Final Spot with Record-Breaking Strike.

Ibrahim Mbaye youngest AFCON goalscorer

Paris Saint-Germain’s teenage sensation Ibrahim Mbaye etched his name into Africa Cup of Nations folklore on January 3, 2026, becoming the youngest goalscorer in the tournament during the 21st century.

The 17-year-old substitute needed just minutes after entering the pitch to score Senegal’s third goal in their 3-1 comeback victory over Sudan in the Round of 16, sealing the Teranga Lions’ progression to the quarter-finals.

John Obi Mikel youngest AFCON goal scorer at 18 years, 9 months, and 5 days against Zimbabwe in 2006.

Born on January 24, 2008, Mbaye was exactly 17 years, 11 months, and 10 days old (344 days) when he found the net – surpassing the previous mark held by Nigeria legend John Obi Mikel, who scored at 18 years, 9 months, and 5 days against Zimbabwe in 2006.

Victor Obinna youngest AFCON goal scorer at 18 years, 10 months, and 10 days.

Third on the 21st-century list is another Nigerian, Victor Obinna, at 18 years, 10 months, and 10 days. (Note: The all-time youngest remains Gabon’s Shiva N’Zigou from 2000 at 16 years and 93 days.).

All-time youngest AFCON goal scorer, Gabon’s Shiva N’Zigou from 2000 at 16 years and 93 days.)

Mbaye, a product of PSG’s academy who has already broken several club youth records, switched allegiance from France’s youth teams to Senegal and has wasted no time making an impact on the senior stage.

His strike capped a resilient performance from the 2021 champions, who recovered from an early deficit through Pape Gueye’s brace before the youngster’s clincher.

Senegal now await the winner of Mali vs Tunisia in the quarter-finals, with Mbaye’s emergence adding excitement to their title defense.

This breakthrough underscores the rising talent pipeline in African football – watch out for this PSG star.