In just a few weeks, all eyes will turn to the 2025 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, where 24 nations will battle for the coveted continental crown.
The 2023 edition in Ivory Coast was captivating, featuring 119 goals across 52 games — the highest average since 2012 — and a surprise Golden Boot winner in Equatorial Guinea’s Emilio Nsue.
The host nation’s remarkable resurgence to claim the title added further drama, so fans and pundits alike are already looking ahead to what this year holds in Morocco.
Using expert analysis and opening market odds, MrFixTips presents a selection of early betting tips ahead of AFCON 2025.
AFCON 2025 Winner: Who could lift the trophy?
Favourites for the continental crown include Senegal, Nigeria, Egypt, Algeria, Ivory Coast and Morocco.
Senegal aim to go all the way after a disappointing defence of the 2021 crown, when they were eliminated in the round of 16 by Ivory Coast. The Teranga Lions feature stars across Europe and Asia, including Sadio Mane (Al-Nassr), Pape Matar Sarr (Tottenham Hotspur) and Ismaila Sarr (Crystal Palace). Senegal are priced at 13/2 (7.5).
Runners-up in the previous tournament, Nigeria boast CAF Player of the Year winners Victor Osimhen (Galatasaray) and Ademola Lookman (Atalanta), led by the last edition’s Most Valuable Player, William Troost-Ekong. The Super Eagles are available at 10/1.
Seven-time AFCON champions Egypt will be led by Mohamed Salah (Liverpool) and Omar Marmoush (Manchester City). After a round-of-16 exit in 2023, the Pharaohs are priced at 6/1 to go all the way.
Algeria have struggled since their 2019 triumph, but Riyad Mahrez and co. will look to bounce back. The Desert Warriors are priced at 6/1.
Reigning champions Ivory Coast aim to become the first team since Egypt (2006–2010) to win back-to-back titles. Head coach Emerse Fae has retained the core of the 2023-winning side, including striker Sebastien Haller, who scored the decisive goal in the final. The Elephants are priced at 12/1.
Host nation Morocco look to end a long wait for the continental crown, last lifted in 1976. Captained by Paris Saint-Germain full-back Achraf Hakimi (returning from injury) and with stars such as Sofyan Amrabat, the Atlas Lions are the bookies’ firm favourites at 11/4 (3.75).
Walid Regragui’s side aim to build on recent successes, including a historic fourth-place finish at the 2022 World Cup.
Morocco are the highest-ranked African nation in FIFA’s world standings, currently sitting 12th, and with the support of the home crowd, this could be their year.
- MrFixTips pick: Morocco to win the tournament at 11/4.
*Odds correct on Oddschecker at the time of writing and subject to change*
AFCON 2025 top scorer: Golden Boot contenders
Nigeria’s Victor Osimhen is the early favourite after a prolific season with Galatasaray, where he won the Turkish Super League top scorer award. Having continued his impressive form into 2025-26, the 26-year-old is expected to carry that momentum into AFCON 2025.
Leaving Mohamed Salah out of this list would seem surprising, despite a quieter start to the 2025–26 season for the Egyptian King. The Golden Boot is one of the few honours missing from his career, and he is tipped to rise to the occasion.
Sadio Mane has always been a strong contender in the competition, while either of Morocco’s Youssef En-Nesyri or Ayoub El Kaabi could also challenge, depending on who is selected as the starting striker.
*Odds to be added when market is available*
AFCON 2025 Group stage: Predicted winners and runners-up
Group A: Morocco (group winner favourites) | Mali (expected 2nd) | Zambia (challenging 2nd) | Comoros (unlikely to advance)
Group B: Egypt (group winner favourites) | South Africa (expected 2nd, could pip Egypt) | Angola (likely best 3rd-place team) | Zimbabwe (expected exit)
Group C: Nigeria (group winner favourites) | Tunisia (expected 2nd, could pip Nigeria) | Uganda (capable of surprise, likely 3rd) | Tanzania (expected exit)
Group D: Senegal (group winner favourites) | DR Congo (expected 2nd) | Benin Republic (likely 3rd, could threaten DR Congo) | Botswana (expected exit)
Group E: Algeria (group winner favourites) | Burkina Faso (expected 2nd) | Equatorial Guinea (expected 3rd) | Sudan (could compete for 3rd)
Group F: Ivory Coast (group winner favourites) | Cameroon (expected 2nd) | Gabon (likely best 3rd-place team) | Mozambique (expected exit)
*Odds to be added when market is available*
AFCON 2025 Golden Glove: Best keeper contenders
The 2023 edition was won by South Africa’s Ronwen Williams, who helped his nation to a third-place finish.
As with previous tournaments, the Golden Glove this year is likely to go to goalkeepers from nations expected to progress deep into the competition.
Below are the potential contenders for the award:
Yassine Bounou – Morocco
Mohamed El Shenawy – Egypt
Edouard Mendy – Senegal
Alexis Guendouz – Algeria
Yahia Fofana – Ivory Coast
Ronwen Williams – South Africa
Stanley Nwabali – Nigeria
Andre Onana – Cameroon
Dimitry Bertaud – DR Congo
*Odds to be added when market is available*
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi is a sports writer with more than four years’ experience covering football and other global sports. A lifelong Arsenal supporter since 2004, he writes with genuine passion and a sharp eye for the stories that shape the game.
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- Source: https://mrfixitstips.co.uk/afcon-2025-early-betting-tips/
