Africa Cup of Nations predictions demand attention from bettors who appreciate unpredictable, passionate football. AFCON delivers underdog victories, fierce rivalries, and tournament dynamics that create value across multiple markets. From outright winner bets to match-by-match analysis, this continental showpiece rewards those who understand African football's unique tactical styles and squad depths.
Betzoid provides upcoming fixtures with betting odds, tournament insights, and Africa Cup of Nations betting tips that go beyond surface-level analysis. Review the latest matches and odds below, then explore our detailed breakdowns.
Upcoming Africa Cup of Nations Fixtures
How the Africa Cup of Nations Works
The Africa Cup of Nations stands as the continent's premier international football tournament. Held every two years, AFCON brings together 24 qualified national teams competing for African football supremacy. The tournament spans roughly one month, typically hosted during January and February.
Teams enter a group stage with six groups of four nations each. The top two from every group advance, joined by the four best third-placed sides. Single-elimination knockout rounds follow until two teams contest the final. This format guarantees at least three matches for every participant and creates natural drama as the tournament progresses.
Host nations receive automatic qualification, while others navigate a lengthy qualifying campaign. Traditional powerhouses like Egypt, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Algeria carry historical weight, but upsets define the tournament. AFCON rewards depth and squad fitness—heat, humidity, and packed schedules test every roster. Understanding this structure helps when forming Africa Cup of Nations predictions, as favorites rarely cruise through unchallenged.
Africa Cup of Nations Table
| № | Team | Played | Win | Draw | Loss | GF/GA | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group A | |||||||
| 1 | Morocco | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 6/1 | 7 |
| 2 | Mali | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 2/2 | 3 |
| 3 | Comoros | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0/2 | 2 |
| 4 | Zambia | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 1/4 | 2 |
| Group B | |||||||
| 1 | Egypt | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3/1 | 7 |
| 2 | South Africa | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 5/4 | 6 |
| 3 | Angola | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2/3 | 2 |
| 4 | Zimbabwe | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 4/6 | 1 |
| Group C | |||||||
| 1 | Nigeria | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 8/4 | 9 |
| 2 | Tunisia | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 6/5 | 4 |
| 3 | Tanzania | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3/4 | 2 |
| 4 | Uganda | 3 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 3/7 | 1 |
| Group D | |||||||
| 1 | Senegal | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 7/1 | 7 |
| 2 | Congo DR | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5/1 | 7 |
| 3 | Benin | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1/4 | 3 |
| 4 | Botswana | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 0/7 | 0 |
| Group E | |||||||
| 1 | Algeria | 3 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 7/1 | 9 |
| 2 | Burkina Faso | 3 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 4/2 | 6 |
| 3 | Sudan | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1/5 | 3 |
| 4 | Equatorial Guinea | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 2/6 | 0 |
| Group F | |||||||
| 1 | Ivory Coast | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 5/3 | 7 |
| 2 | Cameroon | 3 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 4/2 | 7 |
| 3 | Mozambique | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4/5 | 3 |
| 4 | Gabon | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 4/7 | 0 |
| Ranking of third-placed teams | |||||||
| 1 | Mozambique | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 4/5 | 3 |
| 2 | Benin | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1/4 | 3 |
| 3 | Sudan | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1/5 | 3 |
| 4 | Tanzania | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3/4 | 2 |
| 5 | Angola | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 2/3 | 2 |
| 6 | Comoros | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0/2 | 2 |
| № | Team | Played | Win | Draw | Loss | GF/GA | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group A | |||||||
| Group B | |||||||
| Group C | |||||||
| Group D | |||||||
| Group E | |||||||
| Group F | |||||||
| Ranking of third-placed teams | |||||||
| № | Team | Played | Win | Draw | Loss | GF/GA | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Group A | |||||||
| Group B | |||||||
| Group C | |||||||
| Group D | |||||||
| Group E | |||||||
| Group F | |||||||
| Ranking of third-placed teams | |||||||
Goals, Drama, and AFCON Trends
AFCON matches historically produce fewer goals than European tournaments. Group stage games average between 2.1 and 2.4 goals per match across recent editions. Defensive caution dominates early rounds as teams prioritize survival over spectacle. This pattern shifts dramatically in knockout stages, where desperation and fatigue open games up.
The tournament typically sees tight, tactical affairs in Groups A and B during opening matchdays. By the quarterfinals, goal averages climb above 2.5 as attacking intent increases. Extra time in knockout rounds often delivers late drama—fitness levels drop in humid conditions, creating space for quick attackers.
Both teams to score hits at roughly 45-50% frequency during group play. That percentage drops in knockouts when defensive setups tighten. Yellow cards flow freely, averaging 4-6 per match, as physical play and cynical fouls mark tournament football. Betzoid tracks these historical patterns across multiple editions to identify recurring trends. Pitch conditions vary by host nation, sometimes deteriorating late in tournaments and affecting playing styles. For bettors interested in regional African football, COSAFA Cup betting tips offer similar tournament dynamics on a smaller scale.
Best Markets for Africa Cup of Nations Betting
Africa Cup of Nations odds cover diverse markets suited to tournament football's unique rhythms. Bettors who understand AFCON's patterns find consistent value across several options.
- Under 2.5 Goals: Group stage matches between unfamiliar opponents frequently end 1-0 or 1-1. This market hits approximately 55-60% of the time in early rounds, making it reliable for Africa Cup of Nations over under tips.
- Draw No Bet: Tournament football produces cautious approaches. Backing slight favorites with draw insurance removes the sting of cagey 0-0 results, common when teams manage risk.
- Both Teams to Score - No: Clean sheets occur frequently when defensive-minded coaches prioritize structure. At least one team fails to score in over half of group games historically.
- Correct Score 1-0 and 0-0: These scorelines appear far more often than in club football. Patient bettors find value in low-scoring correct score markets.
- Outright Winner: Africa Cup of Nations winner predictions require assessing squad depth, injury situations, and group stage draws. Traditional powers offer shorter odds but face genuine upset risk.
- Top Goalscorer: Strikers from attacking nations like Senegal, Nigeria, and Egypt typically dominate this market.
Smart selection across these markets beats random accumulator building. Focus on patterns rather than hunches. Platforms like Pinnacle often provide sharp odds on tournament markets worth comparing.
Africa Cup of Nations Players stats
| № | Player | Club | Goals | Penalties | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brahim Díaz | Morocco | 5 | 1 | 6 |
| 2 | S. Rahimi | Morocco | 5 | 1 | 3 |
| 3 | V. Osimhen | Nigeria | 4 | 0 | 6 |
| 4 | Mohamed Salah | Egypt | 4 | 1 | 5 |
| 5 | A. Lookman | Nigeria | 3 | 0 | 5 |
| 6 | A. El Kaabi | Morocco | 3 | 0 | 6 |
| 7 | A. Diallo | Ivory Coast | 3 | 0 | 5 |
| 8 | R. Mahrez | Algeria | 3 | 1 | 4 |
| 9 | L. Sinayoko | Mali | 3 | 2 | 5 |
| 10 | S. Mané | Senegal | 2 | 0 | 6 |
| 11 | A. Adams | Nigeria | 2 | 0 | 6 |
| 12 | L. Foster | South Africa | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| 13 | I. Maza | Algeria | 2 | 0 | 5 |
| 14 | N. Jackson | Senegal | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| 15 | P. Gueye | Senegal | 2 | 0 | 5 |
| 16 | Omar Marmoush | Egypt | 2 | 0 | 5 |
| 17 | R. Onyedika | Nigeria | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| 18 | E. Achouri | Tunisia | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| 19 | Christian Kofane | Cameroon | 2 | 0 | 4 |
| 20 | B. Touré | Ivory Coast | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| № | Player | Team | Assists | Matches |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A. Lookman | Nigeria | 4 | 5 |
| 2 | S. Mané | Senegal | 3 | 6 |
| 3 | V. Osimhen | Nigeria | 2 | 6 |
| 4 | A. Adams | Nigeria | 2 | 6 |
| 5 | L. Foster | South Africa | 2 | 4 |
| 6 | Emam Ashour | Egypt | 2 | 5 |
| 7 | A. Iwobi | Nigeria | 2 | 5 |
| 8 | S. Chukwueze | Nigeria | 2 | 4 |
| 9 | A. Hadj-Moussa | Algeria | 2 | 4 |
| 10 | D. Ouattara | Burkina Faso | 2 | 4 |
| 11 | H. Mejbri | Tunisia | 2 | 4 |
| 12 | N. Dismas | Tanzania | 2 | 4 |
| 13 | A. Ounahi | Morocco | 2 | 3 |
| 14 | C. Operi | Ivory Coast | 2 | 1 |
| 15 | Mohamed Salah | Egypt | 1 | 5 |
| 16 | A. El Kaabi | Morocco | 1 | 6 |
| 17 | A. Diallo | Ivory Coast | 1 | 5 |
| 18 | I. Maza | Algeria | 1 | 5 |
| 19 | N. Jackson | Senegal | 1 | 4 |
| 20 | Geny Catamo | Mozambique | 1 | 4 |
| № | Player | Team | Matches | Minutes | Red | Yellow |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Y. Bissouma | Mali | 4 | 288 | 1 | 2 |
| 2 | S. Alhassan | Sudan | 3 | 150 | 1 | 2 |
| 3 | K. Koulibaly | Senegal | 5 | 364 | 1 | 2 |
| 4 | W. Coulibaly | Mali | 3 | 206 | 1 | 1 |
| 5 | Mohamed Hany | Egypt | 5 | 437 | 1 | 1 |
| 6 | A. Haidara | Mali | 3 | 83 | 1 | 0 |
| 7 | S. Magoola | Uganda | 2 | 101 | 1 | 0 |
| 8 | Basilio Ndong | Equatorial Guinea | 1 | 50 | 1 | 0 |
| 9 | C. Bassey | Nigeria | 6 | 525 | 0 | 3 |
| 10 | A. Hadj-Moussa | Algeria | 4 | 182 | 0 | 3 |
| 11 | M. Doumbia | Mali | 5 | 195 | 0 | 2 |
| 12 | N. Dorgeles | Mali | 5 | 254 | 0 | 2 |
| 13 | C. Baleba | Cameroon | 5 | 346 | 0 | 2 |
| 14 | P. Gueye | Senegal | 5 | 388 | 0 | 2 |
| 15 | N. Tolo | Cameroon | 5 | 402 | 0 | 2 |
| 16 | Marwan Attia | Egypt | 5 | 456 | 0 | 2 |
| 17 | S. Nwabali | Nigeria | 5 | 480 | 0 | 2 |
| 18 | D. Job | Tanzania | 4 | 217 | 0 | 2 |
| 19 | H. Diarra | Senegal | 4 | 225 | 0 | 2 |
| 20 | C. Inao Oulaï | Ivory Coast | 4 | 280 | 0 | 2 |
| 21 | J. Tchamadeu | Cameroon | 4 | 284 | 0 | 2 |
| 22 | A. Modiba | South Africa | 4 | 297 | 0 | 2 |
| 23 | W. Ndidi | Nigeria | 4 | 332 | 0 | 2 |
| 24 | L. Foster | South Africa | 4 | 343 | 0 | 2 |
| 25 | A. Dieng | Mali | 4 | 359 | 0 | 2 |
Smart Tips for Betting on AFCON
AFCON betting tips that actually work come from understanding tournament dynamics rather than chasing names. Several factors consistently influence outcomes.
- Respect Underdogs Early: First-round group matches produce upsets regularly. Smaller nations arrive fresh and motivated while favorites sometimes underestimate opponents. Double chance markets protect against shock results.
- Track Squad News Obsessively: European-based stars sometimes arrive late or carry club season fatigue. Missing key players transforms betting odds significantly. Late team news creates value windows.
- Weather Impacts Performance: Northern African hosts offer different conditions than sub-Saharan venues. Teams accustomed to local climates hold genuine advantages that bookmakers occasionally undervalue.
- Knockout Rounds Favor Experience: Nations with recent tournament pedigree handle pressure better. First-time quarterfinalists often freeze when stakes rise. This matters for Africa Cup of Nations match predictions in elimination rounds.
- Monitor Pitch Conditions: Playing surfaces deteriorate as tournaments progress. Technical teams suffer more on poor pitches, while physical sides thrive.
Our analysis at Betzoid emphasizes these structural factors over simple form guides. Betting on AFCON rewards those who dig beyond headlines—value exists where general perception lags behind reality. Bettors in Africa can explore SportPesa's offerings for competitive tournament markets.
Keep Your Betting Under Control
Tournament football creates intense betting temptation with daily matches across three weeks. Set strict bankroll limits before AFCON kicks off and stick to them regardless of results. Chase nothing—losing streaks happen to everyone.
Bet only with money you can genuinely afford to lose. Take complete breaks from betting during the tournament if frustration builds. Self-exclusion tools exist on all licensed platforms. Organizations like GamCare and Gamblers Anonymous provide support when betting stops being entertainment. Responsible habits protect long-term enjoyment of both football and betting.
Whether you're targeting Africa Cup of Nations winner predictions, exploring over under tips, or backing both teams to score markets, tournament football offers distinct opportunities for informed bettors. Odds shift as fixtures progress—bookmark this page and return before each matchday for updated analysis. Always stake responsibly and set limits before kickoff; the tournament is more enjoyable when betting stays fun.
