Africa Cup of Nations odds: favourites to win AFCON 2025

By Klimentijs Konevs | Published: 19 December, 2025

The Africa Cup of Nations takes centre stage at the end of 2025, set to be played in Morocco from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026. Africa's biggest international tournament will bring together 24 of the continent's strongest national teams, all chasing continental glory.

In this article, we take a closer look at the tournament ahead of the first kick-off, breaking down the main contenders, dangerous underdogs, and the overall form of each team. Using the latest AFCON betting odds, we show you where the real value may lie and how the odds to win reflect recent performances. Whether you're following AFCON for the love of football or approaching it from a betting angle, this promises to be an entertaining month.

Can December come already?

Here's what the #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 groups look like after the Final Draw! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/QYQsAIu1e4

— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 (@CAF_Online) January 27, 2025

The odds clearly point to Morocco as the heavy favourites, driven by home advantage and their strong recent performances on the international stage. Behind them, a group of elite challengers are close enough to keep the race open. Below, we break down the main tournament favourites and explain why each has a realistic path to lifting the trophy. 

🇲🇦 Morocco

Morocco are the hosts of the tournament for the first time since 1988. This might put them under pressure, but it also brings the belief that this could finally be the year they win. Much of that confidence comes from the same group of players who played at the 2022 World Cup. To remind you, Morocco became the first African nation to reach the semifinals that year. Their results at the last Africa Nations Cup were not so promising. The team lost to South Africa in the round of 16, but the difference this time is the squad.

Achraf Hakimi, who just helped Paris Saint-Germain win the Champions League, is coming back to headline the team. Although he suffered a knee injury and will miss the opening matches, Hakimi is still set to be the core of this squad. He is supported by proven stars Sofyan Amrabat and Brahim Díaz. Another sensation for Morocco is Abdelhamid Aït Boudlal. He made his debut for Rennes in November and already forced his way into the picture by showing some great skills.

🇲🇦⚽ Morocco is ready for AFCON 2025#DestinationMorocco2025 pic.twitter.com/WEQYOQkx9a

— Eric Njiru ⚽️ (@EricNjiiru) December 13, 2025

🇮🇶 Egypt

Egypt had a couple of frustrating recent chapters. They didn't qualify for the World Cup, so AFCON 2023 has become the biggest stage for the team to reassert themselves, as they haven't won it since 2010. The Pharaohs were hard to beat with four straight draws, but eventually they lost to DR Congo in the round of 16 on penalties.

The good news is the squad still has star power. After being benched in the last few games at Liverpool, Mohamed Salah is coming back to lead the team. Omar Marmoush and Mostafa Mohamed join him once again. Hossam Hassan, who became the head coach in 2024, created a decent squad, mixing the veterans with young talent. However, everything will still revolve around Salah and Marmoush in the decisive moments.

How many Liverpool fans remember this iconic goal from Mohammad Salah x Allison pic.twitter.com/kYZJ5dmCp4

— Aadil Amin (@AadilAmin05) October 17, 2025

🇩🇿 Algeria

The 2019 AFCON champions suffered back-to-back group stage exits in 2021 and 2023, failing to win a single match across both editions. Algeria also endured a frustrating 2022 World Cup, where they were unable to make it out of the group, playing against top-level opposition. Those disappointments led to a coaching change in 2024, with Vladimir Petković now tasked with rebuilding the team.

Riyad Mahrez, who made his name in the Premier League before moving to Saudi Arabia, returns as captain. He is supported by Ismaël Bennacer from AC Milan, who is currently on loan at Dinamo Zagreb. The biggest threat coming into this tournament is Mohamed Amoura. He scored 10 goals in 10 games during the World Cup qualifiers. This adds optimism for the team to achieve better results this time.

🇸🇳 Senegal

Senegal arrive as genuine contenders once again. They finally broke their AFCON curse by winning the tournament in 2021, edging Egypt on penalties in a tense final. They followed that up with a solid quarterfinal run at AFCON 2023, where they were eliminated by hosts Ivory Coast after another tight penalty shootout. On the world stage, Senegal reached the Round of 16 at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

The team have also boosted their confidence by defeating England 3-1 in a friendly game in June. This made them the first African country to beat England at the senior level, even with the Three Lions fielding their biggest stars. For this year's tournament, Cristiano Ronaldo's teammate at Al-Nassr, Sadio Mané, returns to lead the attacking forces. Captain Kalidou Koulibaly is back in defence.

🇳🇬 Nigeria

Nigeria head to this year's AFCON with loads of talent, big expectations, and a bit of chaos. They lost to the Ivory Coast in the final of AFCON 2023, and they've been desperate for a major trophy ever since. On the World Cup front, they missed Qatar 2022 after losing to Ghana on away goals, and their 2026 hopes were ended in the African playoffs.

Éric Chelle doesn't lack weapons, that's for sure. Everything starts with Victor Osimhen. Galatasaray's forward will be the focal point of this team and the man expected to deliver. Ademola Lookman gives Nigeria speed, and Calvin Bassey sets the physical tone at the back. If the Super Eagles start fast and don't beat themselves with sloppy defending, they can become a real threat.

Nigeria has the joint most AFCON final losses (5) alongside Ghana in the history of AFCON. 🥶🚫

• 1984 – Lost to Cameroon 🇨🇲
• 1988 – Lost to Cameroon 🇨🇲
• 1990 – Lost to Algeria 🇩🇿
• 2000 – Lost to Cameroon 🇨🇲
• 2023 - Cote d'Ivoire 🇨🇮

They lost three to Cameroon, one to… pic.twitter.com/BHBRqj7Zh5

— Leagues Reporter (@LeaguesReporter) December 15, 2025

🇨🇮 Ivory Coast

Ivory Coast are the reigning champions. They won the African Cup, defeating Nigeria two years ago. Their run wasn't perfect or pretty, but the experience alone makes them a standout team in this tournament. Coach Emerse Faé is keeping things simple: a solid structure, physical midfield, and match-winners up front.

Wilfried Zaha is back in the squad, returning for the first time in almost two years. He has had a strong spell in MLS with Charlotte FC, where he scored 10 goals and added six assists. His comeback gives the Ivory Coast a different edge going forward. However, one notable absence is Simon Adingra. The Brighton winger was one of the breakout stars of AFCON 2023, but limited minutes at Sunderland this season have cost him a place.

The defending champions. 🇨🇮

With high standards to uphold, Côte d’Ivoire are ready for #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025. 💪 pic.twitter.com/bZM1Z7r8BM

— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 (@CAF_Online) December 14, 2025

🇹🇳 Tunisia

Tunisia arrive with a point to prove. AFCON 2023 was a real disappointment. They went out in the group stage with just two points after drawing Mali and South Africa, and losing to Namibia.

Tunisia's chances at this year's African Cup will largely depend on a small group of trusted leaders. Hannibal Mejbri finally comes into the tournament in good shape, having enjoyed a steady run of minutes with Burnley. This feels like the first AFCON where he can really show what he's about. Ellyes Skhiri joins Hannibal in midfield to set up the tempo. Tunisia may not have the star power of some rivals, but their chances of getting to the knockout stage are pretty real.

🇲🇱 Mali

Mali could potentially be the most dangerous underdogs. They reached the quarterfinals at AFCON 2023 and have consistently shown they can compete with Africa's top sides. Their approach is built around a strong, hard-working midfield and quick transitions rather than pure possession.

Yves Bissouma returns to the squad, despite being inactive since August due to an ankle injury. Around him, players like Amadou Haidara and Lassine Sinayoko add energy and directness, giving Mali a well-rounded profile that can frustrate favourites.

🇨🇲 Cameroon

Cameroon are five-time champions and winners as recently as 2017, but their last tournament ended in the Round of 16. Nigeria knocked them out after a sloppy group phase. The Indomitable Lions are still at their best when they play with aggression and break forward quickly rather than trying to dominate possession.

Vincent Aboubakar remains the natural reference point up front, while Karl Toko Ekambi brings pace from wide areas. The big question is stability around key names, especially in goal and midfield.

Here's a quick snapshot of the current AFCON winning odds ahead for the tournament. The table below ranks the top 10 teams by their chances to reach the final and lift the trophy, giving you an easy way to compare who's viewed as a genuine contender and who's priced as a dangerous outsider.

🏆 Who will win the 2026 AFCON? Winner prediction from MightyTips

Our Africa Cup of Nations 2025 winner prediction points towards Morocco. Everything lines up for the Atlas Lions this time: home advantage, momentum, and a strong squad. Playing across familiar stadiums with massive local support gives them an edge few teams can match, especially in the tight knockout matches.

This squad is built around the core that made history at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, with growing attacking confidence. Morocco look better equipped to handle it than in previous editions. If key players like Hakimi and Boudlal stay fit, this feels like their best chance in decades to lift the trophy.

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