AFCON Groups Overview
The tournament consists of 24 teams, so there are six AFCON groups with four nations each. These nations will face each other once, and the top two will move to the knockout stages. Here is a look at each group and our expert predictions:
| Group | Predicted Winner | Runner-up | Underdog | Key Players |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| A | Morocco | Mali | Zambia | Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz, Yves Bissouma, Patson Daka |
| B | Egypt | South Africa | Angola | Mohammed Salah, Teboho Mokoena, Ronwen Williams |
| C | Nigeria | Tunisia | Uganda | Victor Osimhen, Ademola Lookman, Ellyes Skhiri |
| D | Senegal | Benin | DR Congo | Sadio Mane, Lamine Camara, Yoane Wissa, Cedric Bakambu |
| E | Algeria | Burkina Faso | Equatorial Guinea | Riyad Mahrez, Edmond Tapsoba, Issoufou Dayo, Emilio Nsue |
| F | Cameroon | Cote d’Ivoire | Gabon | Simon Adingra, Amad, Carlos Baleba, Denis Bouanga |
The listed predicted winners and runners-up also reflect current AFCON betting odds from major sportsbooks. Morocco, Egypt, Nigeria, and Senegal are heavily favoured, while underdogs like Zambia, Angola, and Gabon offer higher returns for bettors.
Group-by-Group Predictions
Our research provides the following group-by-group AFCON predictions:
Group A Predictions
As expected before the tournament began, hosts Morocco were the clear favourites to come out on top. The Atlas Lions won their first and last fixtures, the latter a commanding 3-0 victory over Zambia. This secured their place at the top of Group A.
Meanwhile, Mali put in a respectable performance. However, drawing all three of their group games isn’t impressive. While it was enough to see them into the round of 16, the Eagles need to step up in the knockout stages. Comoros and Zambia finished third and fourth, respectively. With only two points apiece, they can't qualify as one of the four best third-ranked teams.
Group B Predictions
Group C Predictions
Nigeria’s AFCON has been perfect so far. The Super Eagles have won two of their Group C matches. As a result, Eric Chelle’s men are already in the Round of 16, regardless of what happens on the final matchday in the group.
Having won their first match against Uganda, Tunisia require only a point against Tanzania in their final game. However, all three teams still have a chance at qualification. If the Cranes manage to upset Nigeria, they will take the advantage. However, if Tanzania also beat Tunisia, Uganda would need to rely on a better goal difference to progress. The same applies to the Taifa Stars, making the end of this group all the more fascinating.
Group D Predictions
As Africa’s number-one footballing nation, Senegal are in control of Group D. However, they haven’t officially qualified for the next round. A draw against Benin in their final group match will ensure progression, but their position is yet to be determined. DR Congo are level on points with the Teranga Lions following a 1-1 draw.
The Leopards still have a chance to claim first place if they can defeat Botswana convincingly to boost their goal difference. Even if Senegal win, DR Congo could still top the group, provided they improve on the 2021 champions’ goal difference.
Group E Predictions
As expected, Algeria won their opening two games at AFCON, securing a place in the round of 16. The Desert Foxes are guaranteed to top the group, even if they lose their final match to Equatorial Guinea. On that note, the National Thunder have already lost both games, so qualifying is all but over for them.
Burkina Faso only require a point against Sudan to confirm their spot in the knockout stage of AFCON 2025. However, Sudan must go all out for three points. Sharing the spoils would see them lose out to the Stallions on goal difference. A draw wouldn’t be entirely bad news for the Jediane Falcons. They could still qualify as one of the four best third-ranked teams in the competition. At present, they’re ranked third in that regard.
Group F Predictions
The so-called “group of death” is unfolding as expected. Cameroon lead the charge and are about to enter Matchday 3 on top. However, the group is still wide open, as any of the top three can finish as winners of the group. Cameroon and Cote d’Ivoire could contest the top spot if both win their final matches. Goal difference is likely to be the deciding factor.
Mozambique’s win against Gabon last time out has put them in contention to qualify automatically. However, they’ll have to beat the Indomitable Lions on the final day. Even if they don’t, the Mambas currently top the ranking among third-placed teams. With no points to their name, Gabon can no longer surpass Mozambique, ending their chances of qualification.
AFCON Groups FAQs
Here are some of the most asked questions about the AFCON groups:
How many groups are there in AFCON?
There are six AFCON groups, and each of them has four teams.
How many teams from each group advance to the knockout stage?
Two teams from each group will advance to the knockout stage.
Which group is South Africa in for AFCON?
South Africa are in Group B where they rival Egypt, Angola and Zimbabwe.