AFCON 2025: The favorites according to Opta... and the AI
This Sunday, the AFCON 2025 will be launched with the inaugural match between Morocco and Comoros, 19h GMT at the Prince Moulay Abdellah stadium in Rabat. Before the kick-off of the competition, several predictions have been made. What does AI and the pondits say about the probable winner?
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
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Who will win the AFCON 2025? Which selection will succeed Côte d'Ivoire? It is this game that many observers and many specialized sites engage in. Morocco, host country and semi-finalist of the 2022 World Cup, is in favor of all predictions. Whether it’s with Opta or artificial intelligence, the Atlas Lions are the big favorites of the tournament.
Despite her status as reigning African champion, Côte d'Ivoire is not well ranked among the favourites of the competition. Other selections like Senegal, Egypt, Algeria, Nigeria and Tunisia pass in front of the Elephants.
Cameroon, although they have won the competition 5 times, they are not among the favourites. The Indomitable Lions are classified in the list of potential surprises by AI. Opta positions the Cameroonian selection in 9th place among potential winners of the 2025 edition with a 4.1% chance.
The favorites according to Opta
Morocco (19.1%)
Egypt (12.4%)
Senegal (12.3%)
Algeria (12%)
Nigeria (7.3%)
Tunisia (6.8%)
Côte d'Ivoire (6.7%)
Mali (6.4%)
Cameroon (4.1%)
South Africa (2.2%)
Despite good results since the last edition and their qualification for the FIFA World Cup 2026 intercontinental play-off, the DRC only ranks 11th. The Leopards have only a 2% chance of winning in Morocco, according to the company specializing in statistics. Gabon has a 1% chance, Benin 0.5%.
The favorites according to the AI
Morocco: The Atlas Lions are the host country and have a quality squad to go all the way. They have been running behind a new victory in the African Cup of Nations since 1976.
Senegal: In recent years, the Lions have performed well in the competition, notably with the coronation in 2022. Eighth finalist of the last edition, they will give everything to shine on Moroccan soil. In recent months, they have strengthened with the arrival of several players including Ibrahim Mbaye, the gem of PSG.
Egypt: Seven-time champions of Africa, the Pharaohs will bet on Mohamed Salah to go win this 8th star.
Algeria: The Fennecs return to the front of the stage since the arrival of Vladimir Petkovic. The Algerian selection is aiming for the title and will be able to bet on world-class players like Riyad Mahrez, Mohamed Amoura, Anis Hadj Moussa...
Nigeria: Osimhen, Lookman, Iwobi, Ndidi... the Super Eagles have the individual assets to win this edition. After missing the 2026 World Cup qualification, the team makes this AFCON its top priority.
Ivory Coast: After winning the 2023 CAN, the Elephants did not shine afterwards. But, this team remains solid defensively. She can also bet on some promising talents like Yan Diomandé, Bazoumana Touré...
According to the IA, Mali, Cameroon, South Africa and the DRC are potential surprises of AFCON 2025.