We’ll break down each of them, starting from the general prediction to the group stage level.
List of AFCON 2025 Favourites
Based on recent form, squad depth, and tournament history, these nations rank highest in most AFCON betting odds and analytics models.
- Morocco
- Senegal
- Nigeria
Morocco favourites – 2.50 Odds @betway
It’s been 50 years since Morocco last won an AFCON title. However, they are in a position to end that drought this time around. With only two matches remaining, backing the hosts isn’t a bad idea. They navigated the group stage comfortably, winning two of their three fixtures and drawing the other.
Their knockout round performances have been clinical, as they won both games without conceding a goal. The Atlas Lions are now heavy favourites to win despite facing Nigeria in the semi-finals. If Brahim Diaz can continue his form in front of goal, they will be difficult to knock out.
Senegal top contenders – 3.30 Odds @betway
Senegal have shown why they’re ranked as Africa’s best footballing nation. They enjoyed a similar record to Morocco in the group stage, winning twice and drawing once. Also, they comfortably defeated Sudan and edged past a tricky Mali by a goal to nil.
The Lions of Teranga missed out on their second AFCON title in 2023 when they lost on penalties to Cote d’Ivoire in the final. Pape Thiaw’s men are determined not to repeat that outcome and are serious contenders to challenge Morocco for this year’s AFCON.
Nigeria potential winners – 4.00 Odds @betway
Nigeria’s odds to win AFCON this year have only improved since the start of the group stage. The Super Eagles have been flawless so far, winning all their group games. They progressed comfortably through the Round of 16 and quarter-finals, keeping clean sheets on both occasions.
With their front line firing at the moment, this is the best form Nigeria have been in for a long while. They’re two goals away from equalling the record for most goals at an AFCON, and if anyone can topple the hosts, it’s certainly them.
Egypt strong contenders – 6.50 Odds @betway
Expectations were high for Egypt ahead of this competition. Many ranked them just behind Morocco to win this edition of AFCON. Given their squad and rich history in the competition, a title challenge seemed almost certain.
Their performances have fallen short of the mark, even though they’ve managed to progress. The Pharaohs can’t be ignored, but they sit at the bottom of this list. With the likes of Omar Marmoush and Mo Salah scoring in the quarter-final, Egypt could be hitting form at the right time.
Opta's Predictions
Our top picks are backed by the latest Opta analysis. According to their AFCON study, the following teams have the highest chances of being crowned champions this year
- Morocco - 34.09%
- Senegal - 23.35%
- Nigeria - 22.20%
- Egypt - 19.36%
They see Morocco as the team to beat, roaring in as the clear frontrunners with a 34.09% chance of clinching the title. However, victory won’t come easily.
AFCON 2025 Top scorers favourites
The AFCON Golden Boot will also be a tussle. Winners usually need more than four goals. Let’s take a look at the strong contenders for this position in the AFCON favourites predictions.
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)
Victor Osimhen opened the scoring for Nigeria in their 2-0 triumph over Algeria in the quarter-final. That took the Galatasaray forward’s total to four goals in the competition, just one behind the current leader. With three goals in his last two outings, he is certainly in the conversation for the Golden Boot.
Mohammed Salah (Egypt)
Mo Salah remains a key figure for Egypt at this year’s AFCON. He’s currently third in the scoring charts, level on four goals with Victor Osimhen. However, he is behind in the rankings due to having one fewer assist. Salah also netted in their quarter-final match against Ivory Coast. He will be crucial for Egypt’s success at this AFCON. Also, he is on penalty duty, so it’s likely he will be a top contender for the prize if Egypt can get through to the final.
Brahim Diaz (Morocco)
One of the surprises of the tournament has been Brahim Diaz. That’s because his club form hadn’t hinted at such a performance. Yet, he has scored in every match for Morocco so far. This includes the opener in their 2-0 victory over Cameroon in the quarter-final. With five goals to his name, Diaz will be crucial for the hosts’ chances of ending their 50-year AFCON drought.
AFCON 2025 Fun Facts
- ⚽ AFCON is one of the most unpredictable major tournaments, with more different champions than the Euros or Copa América.
- 🇲🇦 Morocco became the first African nation to reach a World Cup semi-final in 2022, boosting expectations ahead of AFCON 2025.
- 🏟️ No host nation has won AFCON more than once on home soil, giving Morocco a chance to make history.
- 🇪🇬 Egypt are the only country to win AFCON three times in a row (2006, 2008, 2010), a record that still stands.
- 🇩🇿 Algeria went 35 matches unbeaten between 2018 and 2022, one of the longest runs in African football history.
- 🇸🇳 Senegal won their first AFCON title in 2021 without losing a single match.
- 🇳🇬 Nigeria have reached the knockout stage in every AFCON since 2006, making them one of the most consistent teams in the competition.
- 🥅 The AFCON Golden Boot is usually won with just 4–6 goals, fewer than in most major tournaments.
- 🔄 Group winners do not always go on to win AFCON, with several champions finishing second in their group.
- 🌟 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 are the favourites to 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.
Can an underdog team win the AFCON?
Yes, an underdog can win because nothing is impossible in football. Cameroon have surprised many in this competition, while Mali have proven difficult to beat, which means both teams have a realistic chance of upsetting the favourites.