AFCON 2025: Early Predictions, Top Scorer Picks & Best Odds for the Tournament

The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is almost upon us with the opening match taking place on Sunday, 21 December when the hosts, Morocco take on Comoros at Rabat’s Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium. The tournament promises to be explosive as the continent’s best teams head to Morocco for the high octane event. Powerhouses such as the hosts,Senegal, Ivory Coast, Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt headline a competition packed with star players, tactical battles and unpredictable match-ups.

As excitement builds ahead of AFCON 2025, early African Cup of Nations predictions are already dominating discussions across the continent. Fans and punters alike are asking the big questions: Which striker will light up the tournament? Which nations will fight their way out of the groups? Who genuinely looks capable of lifting the trophy in Morocco? Punters also want to know which bookies are offering the most competitive odds and standout value on Africa Cup of Nations games.

Below you’ll find our detailed Topbets preview which covers projected top scorers, group-stage outlooks, title-contender analysis, tournament odds and a breakdown of the betting sites currently delivering the strongest prices.

AFCON Top Scorer Prediction

One of the most exciting predictions for every football fan before the AFCON, is which striker will walk away with the Golden Boot for scoring the most goals. Here is our prediction tips

Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

The Nigerian forward enters AFCON 2025 as one of the most feared attacking players on the planet. His explosive acceleration, immense physical presence and clinical composure in front of goal is a rare combination of attributes that make him exceptionally challenging for any defence to contain. His performances in recent Champions League where he scored goals for fun underlines this. If Nigeria manages to supply him with even a modest number of clear opportunities, history suggests the Super Eagles almost always generate chances in abundance. Osimen has the potential to reach five or six goals in the tournament.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Salah is always in the conversation. Egypt is built around him and his consistency at international level is unmatched. While not always the highest scorer at AFCON, his ability to produce crucial goals and penalties keeps him firmly in the hunt. If Egypt reach the latter stages, Salah’s chances improve dramatically despite his poor form for Liverpool in the Premier League.

Youssef En-Nesyri (Morocco)

Playing on home soil is a huge advantage for Morocco and En-Nesyri benefits enormously from their possession-driven system. He thrives on crosses and cut-backs, and Morocco’s creative midfield keeps him well-supplied. Expect him to score in the group stage and remain a major contender deep into the tournament.

Sébastien Haller (Ivory Coast)

The Ivorian forward remains one of Africa’s most complete strikers. Powerful in the air, intelligent with movement and clinical in the box, if Ivory Coast navigates the group stages cleanly, Haller could score multiple knockout-round goals.

Dark Horse Candidates

Sadio Mané (Senegal) – Even playing slightly deeper, he always contributes goals.
Patson Daka (Zambia) – Excellent counterattacking striker who punishes space.
El Bilal Touré (Mali) – Strong finisher with good form heading into 2025.

AFCON 2025 Group Stage Predictions

African Cup of Nations 2025 features competitive groups with little margin for error. Below is an early prediction for who qualifies from each group based on squad strength, form, recent tournaments and individual stars. We also preview which Africa Cup of Nations fixture in each group that will be the standout

Group A – Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros

Group A looks competitive but Morocco are clear favourites. Playing at home with a strong squad, they should control most games. The real fight is between Mali and Zambia who both have the quality to reach the knockouts but often lack consistency. Mali’s organised style gives them a slight edge while Zambia can be dangerous when their attack clicks. Comoros are the underdogs but have shown they can battle hard and surprise bigger teams. Morocco should finish first with Mali and Zambia battling for second place.

Group B – Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe

Egypt go into this group as the strongest team thanks to their experience and winning history. South Africa will also expect to qualify and have a fast, energetic team capable of beating anyone on the day. Angola and Zimbabwe will make life difficult for both favourites as they are disciplined and dangerous on set pieces. The match between Egypt and South Africa should decide first place but Angola and Zimbabwe could easily cause an upset and keep the group tight until the final matches.

Group C – Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania

Nigeria are expected to dominate this group due to their powerful attack and deep squad. They usually create plenty of chances and have the players to score goals. Tunisia should take second place as they are very organised and rarely lose heavily. Uganda have improved in recent years and could steal points if they defend well. Tanzania are the underdogs but can keep games close if they stay disciplined. The key match will be Nigeria vs Tunisia which will likely decide the top spot.

Group D – Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana

Senegal are heavy favourites in Group D because of their strong defence and top-level talent. DR Congo are inconsistent but have enough quality to finish second and challenge Senegal if they play well. Benin and Botswana are outsiders, yet both teams can defend well and make things difficult for stronger opponents. Their matchup against each other could be important for third place. The biggest game in this group will be Senegal vs DR Congo which should shape the final standings.

Group E – Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan

Algeria are expected to lead Group E, although they have had mixed form recently. Burkina Faso are always strong in tournaments and should push Algeria closely for first place. Equatorial Guinea are unpredictable and often perform better than expected, making them a potential threat. Sudan are the weakest team in the group but could still impact results if they defend well. The group will depend on whether Algeria stays consistent and whether Burkina Faso avoids mistakes.

Group F – Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique

Group F is one of the toughest, with Ivory Coast and Cameroon both strong enough to finish first. Ivory Coast, the defending champions, have a balanced, confident squad that can beat anyone on their day. Cameroon bring physical strength and tournament experience, making them serious contenders. Gabon adds unpredictability as they can be dangerous if their stars are in good form. Mozambique are improving and could trouble teams, though they are still the underdogs. The big match is Ivory Coast vs Cameroon but Gabon could be the team that shakes up the group.

Odds on the Favourites for the AFCON 2025 Title

These are the best odds on the favourites to lift the AFCON trophy

Morocco Odds
Morocco enters AFCON 2025 as clear favourites with odds between 3.00 and 4.00. As hosts and with a stacked squad featuring Achraf Hakimi, they combine talent, confidence and home advantage. Their squad depth and recent performances make their favourite tag fully justified.

Egypt Odds
Egypt remains one of Africa’s elite, led by Mohamed Salah and Omar Marmoush. With strong coaching and a historic record of seven AFCON titles, their odds of around 7.00 reflect a team that always rises to tournament football. Their pedigree alone keeps them among the top contenders.

Senegal Odds
Senegal continue to be underrated despite having star players in almost every position, including a proven goalkeeper and a powerful core. With five AFCON titles and odds between 7.00 and 8.00, they have the quality and experience to challenge strongly if they find momentum.

Algeria Odds
Algeria’s steady rise over recent years and consistent group-stage performances make them dangerous contenders. Their blend of youth and experience, along with solid tournament form, supports their odds of 7.00–8.00 as a fair indicator of their potential.

Nigeria Odds
Nigeria, three-time champions, arrives with one of the most exciting attacking units in the tournament, featuring Osimhen, Boniface, Lookman and Chukwueze. Their odds above 10.00 may seem long but their firepower alone makes them a genuine threat if they click.

Cote d’Ivoire Odds
Cote d’Ivoire aim to prove their last AFCON win was no fluke. With a strong squad and growing confidence, their odds of around 13.00 reflect a team capable of defending their title if they maintain consistency throughout the tournament.

South Africa Odds
South Africa’s underrated strength lies in their chemistry with many players coming from Sundowns and Orlando Pirates. Their cohesion and recent progress give them an outside chance and they could surprise teams if they maintain their rhythm. They are certainly worth a wager at 41.00 odds.

Bookies with the highest odds for AFCON matches

These are the bookies that offer the best odds on AFCON 2025

Hollywoodbets
Betway
Supabets
10Bet
Bet.co.za
World Sports Betting (WSB)
SunBet