Kinshasa - Congolese Pierre Ndaye Mulamba, scorer of a record nine goals in an Africa Cup of Nations tournament, died Saturday in Cape Town aged 70, a Democratic Republic of Congo minister said.

Mulamba starred for Zaire (now DR Congo) at the 1974 finals in Egypt, which his country won after a replayed final against Zambia. 

It was the second and last time the vast, mineral-rich central African nation triumphed in the most prestigious football competition on the continent.

According to reports, Mulamba had been unwell for some time and received medical care in India before returning to South Africa last August for further treatment. 

DR Congo sports minister Papy Niango said in a statement released in Kinshasa that Mulamba died early in the morning of January 26.  

Nicknamed Mutumbula (the assassin), Mulamba scored twice against Guinea and once against Mauritius in 1974 Cup of Nations group matches.  

What followed was a remarkable achievement as Zaire netted seven times in defeating Egypt (semi-final) and Zambia (final/replay) and six of the goals came from Mulamba.

Mulamba could not replicate his 1974 form when Zaire defended the title, scoring only once for an overall total of 10 as the defending champions made a first-round exit.

Cameroonian superstar Samuel Eto'o holds the record for Cup of Nations tournaments goals with 18.