AFCON Groups Overview
Our Predicted Group Winners
- Group A: Morocco
- Group B: Egypt
- Group C: Nigeria
- Group D: Senegal
- Group E: Algeria
- Group F: Cameroon
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 |
Group-by-Group Predictions
Our research provides the following group-by-group AFCON predictions:
Group A Predictions
Mali entered AFCON as Morocco’s biggest threat to top the group. However, their 1-1 draw against Zambia has shifted expectations. The Eagles seemed in control and even had a penalty. However, Patson Daka shattered their hopes of a perfect start.
That also says a lot about Zambia’s resilience, as they fought until the final whistle and were rewarded with a point. This sets up a tight race for the second and third place, especially with Mali facing the hosts in the next matchday. If Morocco secure the three points, they will live up to our prediction of winning the group.
Group B Predictions
Egypt were heavy favourites to top Group B, and they did enough to secure the points against Zimbabwe. However, the Pharaohs weren’t as dominant as Africa expected them to be. They needed a stoppage-time winner from Mo Salah. South Africa also impressed by seeing off Angola — a tough opponent for any nation.
With the two winners from Matchday 1 facing each other next, we should get a clearer picture of the group standings. Bafana Bafana have a great record against Egypt. Avoiding defeat here would leave the group wide open, particularly depending on the outcome of Zimbabwe vs Angola.
Group C Predictions
Nigeria’s biggest threat ahead of this tournament was their front line. As expected, the Super Eagles relied on Ademola Lookman to grab their first win in Morocco. They weren’t at their most fluent. Victor Osimhen had a goal ruled out for offside, so he still needs to step up.
Meanwhile, Tunisia made a statement to the rest of Africa. The Carthage Eagles beat Uganda 3-1 to top the group. The upcoming Eagles showdown will determine the team most likely to qualify for the knockout stage at the top of Group C.
Group D Predictions
As the number-one African team, Senegal lived up to their ranking with a convincing 3-0 win against Botswana. Nicolas Jackson stood out with a brace, while captain Sadio Mane didn’t get onto the scoresheet. However, the quality of players in their squad indicates they should easily overcome their group opponents.
DR Congo, meanwhile, could pose a challenge when they tackle the Lions of Teranga. After securing the win against Benin, the Leopards are in contention for the knockout stages. As a result, the group is developing just as expected.
Group E Predictions
Riyad Mahrez led Algeria to a 3-0 victory in their opener against Sudan, which took them to the top of the group. They face a tricky test against Burkina Faso next, hoping to extend their lead. However, the Stallions impressed in their opener as well, coming from behind to beat Equatorial Guinea 2-1.
With just five minutes remaining, Burkina Faso were on the brink of defeat. However, they scored two goals after the 94th minute to snatch the points. As a result, they are in a great position to qualify for the knockout stages. They’ll be eager to get a positive result against the Desert Foxes.
Group F Predictions
The so-called “group of death” has already delivered a surprising result. Cameroon just edged out Gabon in their opening game. The Central African nation sit comfortably for now, level on points with Cote d’Ivoire. Their credentials will be put to the test when they meet the Elephants on Matchday 2.
The champions hope to win that clash and top the group, as was expected at the start of the tournament. However, the Elephants still have a tricky tie against Gabon, who remain very much in contention. The Panthers need three points against Mozambique. With captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang expected to return, they cannot be ruled out.
From a general point of view, and based on expert opinion, Morocco is the clear favourite in the competition, which places the team at the top of our AFCON betting winner predictions.
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.