The Africa Cup of Nations will take center stage in Morocco at the tail end of the year, and this 35th edition is looking to be a huge affair for the continent. As such, football fans and pundits have been speculating on what country will lift the AFCON 2025 trophy.
We’re not clairvoyants to tell you what team will emerge as winners. This article will shed light on possible champions. We’ll also deliver betting tips to help you cash in on this revered tournament. Let’s get going!
When Is AFCON 2025 Holding?
From the announced schedule, the 2025 AFCON is billed for a 21st of December kickoff, with proceedings expected to come to an end on the 18th of January, 2026. During this timeline, a total of 52 matches will be played.
Morocco will be the host nation. For context, the last time they hosted this event was in 1988, where Cameroon emerged as AFCON winners after a valiant battle with Nigeria.
Here are stadiums that’ll feature in the hotly-contested tournament:
- Complexe Sportif Prince Héritier Moulay El Hassan, Rabat
- Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat
- Stade Mohammed V, Casablanca
- Complexe Sportif de Fes, Fes
- Stade El Barid, Rabat
- Stade Annexe Olympique Complexe Sportif Prince Moulay Abdellah, Rabat
- Grand Stade de Marrakech, Marrakech
- Grand Stage de Tanger, Tangier
- Grand Stade d’Agadir, Agadir
Top Four Favourites to Win the Africa Cup of Nations Title in 2025
“In football, everything is complicated by the presence of the opposite team.”
Going by this quote by Jean-Paul Sartre, it’s almost impossible to tell what team will emerge as winners in football tournaments like the Africa Nations Cup.
Nonetheless, here’s an overview of four nations that could win AFCON 2025 in Morocco:
Nigeria
It’s no surprise as to why this nation ranks as a top contender for the 2025 AFCON triumph. After a frustrating second-place finish in AFCON 2023, the Super Eagles will fancy their chances of going all the way this time around.
Nigeria’s squad is strong, with the likes of striker Victor Osimhen leading the charge. They’re in Group C, alongside Tunisia, Uganda, and Tanzania; this draw will give the Super Eagles a solid foundation to gel before the knockout rounds.
Morocco
Having automatically qualified in this year’s AFCON due to its position as hosts, Morocco has a lot going for it. This includes home soil support, climate familiarity, and less travel distance. They’ll open the tournament in a match against Comoros, and will be looking to cement their dominance from the get-go.
This nation’s football squad has an excellent head coach (Walid Regragui) and some of the world’s best players on its roster. Achraf Hakimi and Hakim Ziyech are some of the names leading the charge for the home nation. The Moroccan national team had a Cinderella run in the 2022 FIFA World Cup where it finished fourth. If the Atlas Lions can replicate that form or something similar, they could go all the way and lift the AFCON title.
Ivory Coast
Ivory Coast are AFCON reigning champions, after defeating the Super Eagles in the 2023 edition. The team will feature in Group F alongside Gabon, Cameroon, and Mozambique.
As one of Africa’s strongest football teams, they’ve got a smooth path to the knockout rounds; however, Cameroon (AKA Indomitable Lions or Lions of Teranga) could prove a tough nut to crack with hungry and technical forwards like Vincent Aboubakar and Bryan Mbuemo.
As mentioned, Ivory Coast are no slouch themselves. Lethal strikers (Nicolas Pepe and Simon Adingra) and sturdy midfield players (Franck Kessie and Seko Fofana) offer the technical flexibility required to defeat opponents with relative ease.
Senegal
Senegal isn’t at the summit of African football. However, its reputation has risen in recent years. In the 2022 World Cup, they bowed out in the quarterfinals. Before that, Senegal won the 2021 AFCON. These facts make them a front-runner in this year’s Africa Nations Cup.
Senegal will play against DR Congo, Botswana, and Benin Republic in the group stage. With players such as Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, Idrissa Gueye, and Cheikhou Kouyate, Senegal should advance into the knockout stages comfortably.
With a resilient spirit, Senegal is well-equipped for knockout games where high-pitched pressure is the norm. As such, they’re serious contenders to be Morocco 2025 AFCON champions.
2025 AFCON Betting Tips: How to Make the Best of the Tournament as a Punter
“Success depends upon previous preparation, and without such preparation there is sure to be failure.”
This quote by Confucius, a Chinese philosopher, applies to all walks of life, betting inclusive.
You can increase your chances of winning bets made during AFCON by adopting these tips:
1. Bet on the Front Runners
Consider betting on top nations such as Nigeria, Morocco, Senegal, and Ivory Coast. However, don’t ignore Egypt, Ghana, and Algeria; these are dark horses that could spring up surprises during the tournament.
2. Compare Betting Sites
If you intend betting on AFCON for real money, you must be ready to put in the work by searching for the best bookmakers. According to tipster, Kate Richardson, a good way to start is to visit trusted review sites so that you can compare online sportsbooks in your country.
That way, you can see what sites have the best odds, bonuses, and customer support. When you settle for one that ticks all these boxes, you’ll have a fun-filled wagering adventure.
3. Bet on Individual Awards
One of the safest bets to make during tournaments like the AFCON are on individual awards. For example, you can bet on Mohamed Salah to win the Golden Boot award. Since 2024 & 2025 statistics place him as a prolific league goal scorer, the chances of this bet being successful are high.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations will be upon us shortly. With 24 teams in the mix, we’ve highlighted the nations that are poised to lift the trophy. If you intend betting on events tied to this tournament, consider placing wagers on the top sides and star-studded individuals. For your bets to be profitable (if it wins), ensure your chosen sportsbook offers competitive odds.
