FORMER South Africa and Leeds United striker Phil Masinga is already tipping Ivorian striker Didier Drogba to finish as the top scorer of the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations.

Masinga says the possibility that Drogba might be playing in his last Africa Cup of Nations was likely to motivate the Chelsea forward to outscore the other players taking part in the continental showcaseDrogba has already registered his name among the early scorers, his 39th minute strike securing victory for Ivory Coast in their Group C opening match against Sudan.

"Look, it is still early but I think Drogba has the ability to score the most goals during this tournament," Masinga told KickOff.com.

"He is reaching the twilight of his career and is part of an Ivory Coast team that has some of the best talent ever to emerge from Africa but has never really won anything as a team.

"You could see that he was hungry to score many goals against Sudan and he will be more dangerous as the games progress," said Masinga.

Masinga believes Ghanaian striker Asamoah Gyan would be another contender for the top scorer award.

"Gyan was a revelation during the 2010 World Cup but his performance in the Nations Cup will be influenced by his fitness levels.

"I am not so sure that he has fully recovered from his injury but he still remains a threat to defenders," said Masinga.

Cameroonian striker Samuel Eto’o won the Golden Boot at the 2008 edition of the tournament held in Ghana with 5 goals while Mohamed Nagy of Egypt top scored with 5 goals in 2010.