From months to weeks, and now down to mere days, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco is finally upon us.
With 24 nations competing, a handful of genuine contenders, and only one team destined to lift the trophy, the stage is set for a thrilling continental showdown starting on Sunday, December 21.
While much remains consistent with our earlier betting outlook, a few updates and fresh insights make this a timely reassessment of the outright markets.
Top 10 AFCON winner odds
- Morocco: 3.25 (9/4)
- Egypt: 7.00 (6/1)
- Senegal: 7.00 (6/1)
- Algeria: 7.50 (13/2)
- Nigeria: 11.00 (10/1)
- Ivory Coast: 13.00 (12/1)
- Tunisia: 15.00 (14/1)
- Mali: 15.00 (14/1)
- Cameroon: 19.00 (18/1)
- South Africa: 41.00 (40/1)
*Odds taken from Bet365; subject to change
Morocco: Tournament favourites
Morocco enter AFCON 2025 as clear favourites, and for good reason. Currently the highest-ranked African nation in FIFA’s standings, the Atlas Lions combine strong recent form with the advantage of playing on home soil.
Morocco’s consistency over recent years, highlighted by a historic semi-final run at the 2022 World Cup and a 17-match unbeaten streak heading into the tournament, has reinforced belief that this could finally be their moment on the continental stage.
With influential figures such as Achraf Hakimi, Sofyan Amrabat, Youssef En-Nesyri and Brahim Diaz, Morocco possess both balance and flexibility, making them well-equipped to handle different challenges as the tournament unfolds.
Egypt: Can Salah deliver?
Egypt sit just behind Morocco in the betting at 6/1, though their prospects may hinge on Mohamed Salah rediscovering his sharpest form.
The Liverpool forward heads into AFCON following a turbulent spell at club level, and Egypt’s long-standing reliance on him could become a weakness if he fails to hit top gear early on. That said, if Salah finds his rhythm, the Pharaohs remain capable of matching any side in the competition.
Senegal: Experience still counts
Senegal remain firmly among the contenders, largely due to their wealth of tournament experience. Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly and Idrissa Gueye know what it takes to go all the way, having lifted the trophy in 2021.
However, expectations have weighed heavily on the Teranga Lions in recent editions, and they struggled to cope with that pressure last time out. While their pedigree should carry them deep, turning experience into another title push is the challenge Senegal must overcome.
Algeria: The value bet
Algeria could represent one of the smarter bets in the outright market. Despite producing mixed results in the Arab Cup, the Desert Warriors still boast proven operators such as Riyad Mahrez.
Comfortable in North African conditions and backed by a disciplined setup, the Desert Warriors have the tools to quietly progress through the tournament.
Nigeria: Firepower with a question mark
Runners-up at the previous edition, Nigeria are not a side that can be dismissed, even if recent performances have lacked conviction.
The Super Eagles have shown before that form heading into AFCON can be misleading, having gone close to lifting the trophy in 2023–24 despite an inconsistent build-up.
With attacking threats led by former CAF Players of the Year Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman, Nigeria possess the quality to trouble any defence. However, persistent vulnerabilities at the back remain a concern. An early exit would be a shock, though whether they can navigate their way back to the final remains an open question.
Ivory Coast: Tough title defence lies ahead
Defending champions Ivory Coast cannot be ignored, though repeating their success appears a tougher task this time around. The squad looks less settled than in 2023, with fewer standout names and a heavier reliance on Wilfried Zaha to provide attacking inspiration.
That said, the Elephants are battle-hardened and benefit from a favourable group, which could allow them to build momentum. While another title may be ambitious, Ivory Coast remain well placed to progress and could again prove awkward opposition in the knockout stages.
MrFixTips’ outright picks for AFCON 2025
- Morocco to win AFCON (9/4) or reach the final (5/2).
- Algeria to win the tournament (13/2), reach the final (3/1) or reach the semi-finals (81/50).
- Egypt to reach the semi-finals (137/100)
- Senegal to reach the final (3/1) or reach the semi-finals (5/2)
- Nigeria to reach the semi-finals (7/4)
- Ivory Coast to reach at least the quarter-finals (83/100)
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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