Africa Cup of Nations Predictions

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is without a doubt one of the most fiercely competitive international football tournaments, with eight different winners in the last 10 editions. Morocco’s impressive run under Walid Regragui, notably, the surprising World Cup semi-final appearance in Qatar 12 months ago marks a historic achievement for an African side.

Morocco best placed team to win AFCON

With a strong side featuring key players like Achraf Hakimi (PSG), Nouassair Mazaoui (Bayern Munich), Youssef En-Nesyri (Sevilla), goalkeeper Yassine Bounou (Al-Hilal), and Hakim Ziyech (Galatasaray), the Atlas Lions go into the competition as the top-ranked African team in the FIFA rankings (13th), and hence, the AFCON 2023/2024 favourites. They are well-equipped to win the first AFCON trophy since 1979.

Ivory Coast to win Group A

In Group A, the clear favorites for knockout rounds are hosts Ivory Coast and Nigeria. Home advantage historically influences AFCON outcomes, and Ivory Coast, boasting players like Wilfred Zaha, Seko Fofana, and Simon Adingra, is favored to top the group, having won the competition twice before, most recently in 2015.

Nigeria, also a strong contender, enters the tournament in good form with four wins in their last five games. Top scorer Victor Osimhen and the in-form Victor Boniface of Leverkusen will bolster Nigeria’s attack.

Egypt to win Group B

Group B has Cape Verde, Egypt, Ghana, and Mozambique, but only two nations can progress to the AFCON 2024 knockout stage. All-time AFCON winners Egypt, led by the exceptional Mohamed Salah start the group as favourites. They are in good form (eight wins in their last ten matches), and are likely to see off a competitive Ghana in the group stages.

However, the Black Stars will be banking on quality players like Mohammed Kudus, Inaki Williams, Ernest Nuamah, and the experience of André Ayew to bring it home.

Senegal to win Group C

Group C has Cameroon, Senegal, Gambia, and Guinea, but defending champions Senegal and Cameroon will be expected to progress..

The Lions of Teranga are in top form, with a 60% win rate in the past year and a 2022 World Cup round of 16 appearance. Positioned to triumph in a competitive group, they face a strong Cameroon side led by key players like Vincent Aboubakar and Bryan Mbeumo.

Algeria to win Group D

Group D features Algeria, Angola, Burkina Faso, and Mauritania. The 2019 champions, Algeria, seem poised to secure the top spot, led by former Manchester City winger Riyad Mahrez, and the addition of Roma’s Houssem Aouar and Rennes’ Amine Gouiri. Algeria are in good run of form with a 60% win rate in 2023, scoring 18 goals in the process.

Burkina Faso also presents a potential challenge with players like Bertrand Traoré (Aston Villa) and Dango Ouattara (Bournemouth).

Mali to win Group E

Group E promises to be highly competitive with South Africa’s Bafana Bafana, Mali, Tunisia, and Namibia. Tunisia and Mali are considered stronger on paper, especially with Mali’s impressive form leading up to the tournament, ranking as the second-highest scorers in Africa with 15 goals in six matches last year.

Mali, banking on players like Yves Bissouma, Hamari Traoré, and Abdoulaye Doucouré, start as strong favourites to top the group.

Morocco to win Group F

Group F looks already settled, but anything can happen in football. Morocco should find it easy to top the group, but who will be joining them into the next round among DR Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia?