The best goalkeepers in Africa do not even have to play in the major leagues of Europe anymore; Africa and its competitions have come of age. Valiant displays at club or national levels on the continent are enough to give recognition to a goalkeeper both on the continent and on the global scene.

These ratings will consider the performances within the last 12 months. Please keep in mind that a good goal-keeper should not just make saves; he should also contribute to the positive mentality of the team, and inspire confidence in his teammates. 

Top 10 Best Goalkeepers In Africa 2023

1. Yassine Bounou

Country: Morocco

Yassine Bounou has just received a National Honor from the King of Morocco; he received the recognition with the rest of the Morocco National Team after a string of determined performances at the last FIFA World Cup which was held in Qatar, in which the team came fourth- the best ever finish by an African team.

Before his Qatar feat Yassine Bounou was already one of the best goalkeepers in Africa, he had already firmly established himself as a fans’ favorite. Just look at his accomplishments; he won the Moroccan Botola in 2009-10 with Wydad AC, and was also CAF Champions League runner-up: 2011. With Atlético Madrid he won the Supercopa de España in 2014, with Sevilla he won the     UEFA Europa League: 2019–20, and was also UEFA Super Cup runner-up in 2020.

He is absolutely dominant in the air, and has superb reflexes. He is also quick to send the ball up-field so as to create counter attacking opportunities for his team mates. He organizes his backline very well.

2. Andre Onana

Country: Cameroon

Andre Onana of Cameroon currently plays for Inter Milan in Italy, where he is the most sought after goalkeeper. He cannot be ranked for his performance at the last world cup because he had a feud with the manager Rigobert Song, and was then sent home. However, he already proved himself as an astounding goalkeeper with great performances for Ajax in both the Eredivisie and the Champions League.

Andre Onana has three Eredivisie titles to his name, and also has two cup wins. He was runner up at the UEFA Europa League, and he also clinched the third place with Cameroon at the African Cup of Nations in 2022. With Inter Milan he already has a Supercoppa Italia to his name.

He is dominant in the air, and organizes his back line very well. He is also very vocal; shouting encouragement (or blame) to his team-mates up-field.

3. Mohammad El Shenawy

Country: Egypt

Mohammad El Shenawy of Egypt has already attained legendary status; the Al Ahly Football Club took home 4 consecutive Egyptian Premier League titles from the 2017/2018 season until the 2020/2021 season. He is extremely hard to beat due to sharp reflexes, an athletic body, and a tall stature that helps him claim the ball in the air with minimum effort.

Mohammed El Shenawy is the most decorated goalkeeper in Africa; he has won the Egyptian Premier League 5 times, the Egypt Cup 2 times, the Egyptian Super Cup 3 times, the CAF Champions League 2 times, and the CAF Super Cup 2 times as well. He has also reached the third place of the FIFA Club World Cup.

4. Edouard Mendy

Country: Senegal

Not too long ago, Edouard Mendy was named the best goalkeeper in Africa after he helped his team win the African Cup of Nations for the first time, in a final match played against the mighty Egypt. Edouard Mendy showed class, determination, and very good communication with his backline.

Even before that he had helped Chelsea to glory on several platforms, and showed similar class to help Marseille win laurels. Edouard Mendy has an impressive trophy cabinet; with Chelsea he has won the UEFA Champions League: 2020–21, UEFA Super Cup: 2021, FIFA Club World Cup: 2021.

He is certainly no push-over when it comes to goalkeeping, and it would be foolish to write him off because of a dry spell at club level.

5. Rais Mbolhi

Country: Algeria

Africa has not forgotten Rais Mbolhi’s gallantry at the African Cup of Nations in 2019. Well, since then he has added another feather to his cap in the form of the FIFA Arab Cup which he won with Algeria.

There are few goalkeepers on the continent that possess such a fine combination of qualities like sharp reflexes, the ability to dash forward and thwart opponent attacks, and very good aerial prowess. Rais Mbolhi has proved himself in Scotland, Greece, Japan, Bulgaria, France and Saudi Arabia.

He currently plays for Saudi Arabian club Al-Ettifaq. He has won numerous individual awards that are too many to mention.

6. Denis Onyango

Country: Uganda

Denis Onyango is still one of the most feared goalkeepers in the South Africa Premier Soccer League. The Ugandan International is now in his late 30’s but has shown surprising longevity. He has stood like a tower for his club Mamelodi Sundowns, and he organizes his defense-line very well.

These days Denis Onyango has become known for his penalty saving ability, and for his prowess in one on one situations. He has been one of the best goalkeepers in the South African league for many years, and has the laurels to show for it.

Some of his laurels and accolades include; he has won the Premier Soccer League with two clubs a total of 9 times, and he has also won the Nedbank Cup 3 times. He has also won the CAF Champions League, and the CAF Supercup as well.

7. Melvin Adriene

Country: Madagascar

Melvin Adriene is still widely recognized for his bravery, tenacity, and calmness which he displayed at the AFCON in 2019 where his team was the surprise package. He now plays for French side Thonon Evian in the Championatt 2.

No doubt he reserves his best performances for the national team; as demonstrated in the games against Nigeria, DR Congo, and even Tunisia which were nothing short of excellent.

He is tall and athletic, and contributes to the overall confidence of his team.

8. Richard Ofori

Country: Ghana

Richard Ofori is the Ghanaian goalkeeper of Orlando Pirates in the South African Premier Soccer League. He has seen his stock rise recently as the continent has started to take note of his goalkeeping ability. He is very good in the air, and very confident between the sticks. Richard Ofori is the kind of goalkeeper that instills confidence in his team mates, and that pushes them to find the win.

Richard Ofori has already won the Ghanaian Premier League, and he has also added the MTN 8 to his name.

9. Ibrahim Mounkoro

Country: Mali

Ibrahim Mounkoro of Mali and TP Mazembe is a tall and imposing goalkeeper; he has shown his class and abilities both for club and country. On his day he can be impossible to beat, and the kind of confidence he brings to a team is something to behold.

He has already accomplished so much in his career; he has won the Malian Première Division: 2012–13, 2013–14. he has also won the Malian Cup in 2013. With TP Mazembe he has also won the CAF Champions League: 2015, as well as the CAF Confederation Cup on two occasions.

Ibrahim Mounkoro has also won the CAF Super Cup, as well as the Congolese Linafoot on four occasions.

10. Mouez Hassen

Country: Tunisia

Mouez Hassen of Tunisia and Club Africain is an excellent goalkeeper, and an excellent team player. He is vastly experienced, having played for a number of clubs including in France, England and Belgium. He is one of the finest and most consistent goalkeepers in Africa, and he has a bright future ahead.

Closing:

The best goalkeepers in Africa have above all else, a different level of confidence in their abilities. Goalkeeping is not just about having the ability to make saves; it is also about having the ability to contribute to the mentality of the team.