AFCON Favourites Predictions For 2025 & Top Teams

We’ll break down each of them, starting from the general prediction to the group stage level.

List of AFCON 2025 Favourites

Using recent form, squad depth, and tournament history, these nations rank highest in most AFCON betting odds and analytics models.

Morocco favourites – 2.95 Odds @betway

Surprisingly, Morocco haven’t won an AFCON title since 1976, but this appears to be their year. Their first two performances in the group phase left a lot to be desired, and home fans expressed their disgruntlement with the team. However, their 3-0 victory against Zambia on the final matchday underscored why they’re likely to bag their home AFCON title.

Egypt strong contenders – 8.80 Odds @betway

As Africa’s most successful nation, Egypt are aiming to win their eighth AFCON title this time around. The Pharaohs made the final in 2017 and 2021, losing on both occasions. Their group-stage performances haven’t been convincing,with both victories coming via a goal in stoppage time and a penalty. However, now that it’s knockout football, they can make it to the final once again, especially considering the personnel in their ranks.

Algeria title challengers – 7.80 Odds @betway

Algeria sent a message to the rest of the continent during the group stage. Two wins from two ensured that the Desert Foxes confirmed their place in the round of 16 without hassle. Both of Algeria's AFCON title wins came in North Africa - once when they hosted it in 1990, and again in 2019 when it was held in Egypt. As a result, they can never be written off, especially with some of the gems they boast in a squad that’s led by Riyad Mahrez.

Senegal top contenders – 4.90 Odds @betway

Africa’s number one-ranked nation started the tournament as a top contender. But that has slowly progressed to near favourites behind Morocco. The Teranga Lions have an incredible squad, a mix of experience and youth, and have already shown great resilience. One win and a draw against Burkina Faso have Senegal in pole position to secure their spot in the next round. With the majority of the squad plying their trade across some of Europe’s best teams, head coach Pape Thiaw just needs to get the best out of them.

Nigeria potential winners – 6.80 Odds @betway

Perhaps their exit from next year’s World Cup reduced their threat, but Nigeria have already shown why they’re dangerous at AFCON. A 100% record ahead of their third game means that the Super Eagles are already in the next round. With Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman in menacing mood, you wouldn’t put it past them to secure their fourth AFCON title here.

Opta's Predictions

Our favourites choices are supported by Opta's analysis that has recently been released. Their AFCON analysis gives the top teams the following percentage of being crowned champions of this year's edition:

1. Morocco - 22.87%
2. Senegal - 14.47%
3. Algeria - 13.77%
4. Egypt - 13.08%
5. Nigeria - 10.46%

They see Morocco as the team to beat, roaring in as the clear frontrunners with an 22.87% chance of clinching the title. But they won't have it easy!

AFCON 2025 Top Scorers Favourites

The AFCON golden boot will also be a tussle, and the winners usually need more than four goals at least. Let’s look at the strong contenders for this position in the AFCON favourites predictions.

Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

Once African Player of the Year, Osimhen appears to be getting back to his best. He’s scored six goals in 12 league games for Galatasaray and also netted six times in just four Champions League games. Osimhen opened his account in Nigeria’s 3-2 win against Tunisia, and is likely to be a leading candidate for the Golden Boot.

Mohammed Salah (Egypt)

Mo Salah needs no introduction, as he’s one of the best players in the Premier League for several seasons. He might be going through a poor patch with Liverpool, but Salah is an ever-present leader for Egypt. He’s already scored twice in this AFCON, both goals serving as winners for the Pharaohs. Salah is currently tied with a host of players on two goals, but should pull clear if Egypt can progress further into the tournament.

Ayoub El Kaabi (Morocco)

The hosts are already the leading goalscorers in the competition, but that’s before some of the other groups complete their fixtures. Six goals have been split between two players - Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi. The latter has been in great form for his club, Olympiacos, scoring 12 goals in 14 Greek Super League appearances. He’s already netted three goals in three AFCON games and tops the scoring charts along with his teammate Brahim Diaz. He’s likely to be in the conversation, especially if the hosts can go far in the tournament.

AFCON 2025 Fun Facts

1. ⚽ AFCON is one of the most unpredictable major tournaments, with more different champions than the Euros or Copa América.
2. 🇲🇦 Morocco became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022, boosting expectations ahead of AFCON 2025.
3. 🏟️ No host nation has won AFCON more than once on home soil, giving Morocco a chance to make history.
4. 🇪🇬 Egypt are the only country to win AFCON three times in a row (2006, 2008, 2010), a record that still stands.
5. 🇩🇿 Algeria went 35 matches unbeaten between 2018 and 2022, one of the longest runs in African football history.
6. 🇸🇳 Senegal won their first AFCON title in 2021 without losing a single match.
7. 🇳🇬 Nigeria have reached the knockout stage in every AFCON since 2006, making them one of the most consistent teams in the competition.
8. 🥅 The AFCON Golden Boot is usually won with just 4–6 goals, fewer than in most major tournaments.
9. 🔄 Group winners do not always go on to win AFCON, with several champions finishing second in their group.
10. 🌟 Underdog teams regularly reach the AFCON semi-finals, which is why long-term predictions often come with high odds.

AFCON 2025 Predictions FAQs

Here are some of the most asked questions about the 2025 AFCON favourites predictions:

Who is the favourite to win the AFCON?

Morocco is the favouriteto win the AFCON, and it is not only because they are the hosts. The Atlas Lions have come through their group unbeaten and have a squad with fantastic talent.

Which is the favourite to win Group F?

Cote d’Ivoire are favourites to win Group F. They’ve drawn with Cameroon and have a simpler final game against Gabon, compared to their rivals' match with a tricky Mozambique.

Can an underdog team win the AFCON?

Yes, an underdog can win because nothing is impossible in football. South Africa have shown that they compete with the best, while DR Congo’s result against Senegal and World Cup berth gives them a great chance of causing upsets along the way.