AFCON 2025 kicks off in late December with Morocco hosting the tournament for the first time since 1988.
Six host cities and nine stadiums will stage the expanded 24-team event, with Rabat set for both the opener and the final.
The competition follows the same format introduced in 2019: six groups of four, with the top two teams and the four best third-placed sides advancing to the last 16.
Morocco (3.72) enters as hosts under heavy expectation, while continental powers Nigeria, Senegal, Ivory Coast (12.88), Egypt and Algeria arrive with different objectives after mixed fortunes in recent tournaments.
What Happened At AFCON 2023?
The 2023 edition, played in early 2024 in the Ivory Coast, produced one of the most dramatic tournaments in recent memory. The hosts completed a remarkable turnaround, beating Nigeria 2-1 in the final in Abidjan after trailing early. Nigeria (9.90) finished as runners-up, while South Africa secured third place after a tense shootout win over DR Congo (50.05).
Several teams exceeded expectations. Angola reached their first quarter-final since 2010, Cape Verde impressed again with a disciplined run to the last eight, and Mali pushed the eventual champions to the brink in the quarter-finals.
However, several traditional powers faltered. Ghana went winless and exited in the group stage, Algeria (6.94) finished bottom of their section, Tunisia (13.01) failed to win a match, and Morocco exited in the last 16 despite arriving as World Cup semi-finalists.
The fallout left multiple heavyweights with questions to answer ahead of 2025.
The Notable Absentees
AFCON 2025 features a strong field, yet a handful of notable nations will watch from home. Ghana headline the list after finishing bottom of their qualifying group, continuing a steep decline since 2021.
Cape Verde and Mauritania, both strong in 2023, also miss the cut. Mauritius and Madagascar pushed late but fell short, opening space for returning or emerging sides such as Botswana (491.83), Gabon (81.94), Sudan (198.45) and Comoros (151.99).
Their absence shifts the competitive picture and increases volatility across several groups.
Group Breakdown
Group A: Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros
Morocco (1.44) carries the weight of expectation and a deep squad. Mali (3.50) remains a steady tournament side, Zambia (9.99) brings pace and width, and Comoros (33.97) arrives buoyed by their qualifying win over Ghana.
Group B: Egypt, South Africa, Angola, Zimbabwe
Egypt’s (1.61) pedigree meets a rising South Africa (3.51) side, which continues improving under Hugo Broos. Angola (6.02) and Zimbabwe (26.08) possess a counter-attacking threat and can unsettle favourites.
Group C: Nigeria, Tunisia, Uganda, Tanzania
Nigeria (1.83) enters as one of the main contenders with elite attacking depth. Tunisia (2.62) seeks redemption after its 2023 collapse. Uganda (10.98) and Tanzania (9.99) renew a familiar regional battle.
Group D: Senegal, DR Congo, Benin, Botswana
Senegal (1.40) remains among Africa’s strongest teams. DR Congo’s (4.02) 2023 semi-final run demands respect. Benin (10.05) and Botswana (26.13) are organised, making this a tense and balanced group.
Group E: Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan
Algeria (1.44) faces major pressure after two straight group-stage exits. Burkina Faso (3.75) is a reliable knockout performer. Equatorial Guinea (9.00) have upset several giants across recent editions. And Sudan (20.99) completes the group.
Group F: Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Gabon, Mozambique
A heavyweight group featuring the defending champions, the Ivory Coast (1.83) and a Cameroon (2.75) side seeking stability. Gabon (7.02) returns after missing 2023, and Mozambique (17.04) looks competitive but remains an underdog.
Easybet Betting Guide: Early Outright And Market Trends
Easybet’s odds profile for major tournaments follows established patterns, and early indicators align with several AFCON themes.
Morocco (Hosts)
Host nations often perform strongly. Morocco’s depth and home venues make it a leading outright option.
Trend: Host-nation bounce in outright and “To Reach Semi-finals” markets.
Nigeria (2023 Runners-up)
One of Africa’s deepest squads with proven tournament form.
Trend: Reliable in group-winner and “To Qualify” markets.
Senegal (2021 Champions)
Balanced, experienced and consistent across phases of play.
Trend: Often valuable in low-margin knockout markets, including unders.
Ivory Coast (Defending Champions)
Stable squad with late-match scoring habit.
Trend: Strong in “Second-Half Result” and comeback-related markets.
South Africa (2023 Bronze Medallists)
Organised and difficult to break down under Broos.
Trend: Favourable in clean-sheet and under-2.5 markets during group play.
Algeria (Redemption Campaign)
High-ceiling team entering with pressure and volatility.
Trend: Appealing for long-shot outrights due to group-stage upside.
DR Congo
Stable core and consistent early performances.
Trend: Strong in opening-match markets and first-round handicaps.
Final AFCON Takeaway
AFCON 2025 promises another unpredictable tournament with established giants under scrutiny and several emerging teams capable of shaping the story.
Morocco’s home advantage, Nigeria’s attacking depth, Senegal’s structure and the Ivory Coast’s championship pedigree headline a field that appears far more balanced than previous editions.
