It’s everyone’s favourite mid-season festival of football. While European clubs fume over their lost stars, the African nations gear up for their illustrious continental tournament. As Senegal gear up to defend their title, the 24-team format spices up the competition. Watch as the top two teams from each group move on to the knockout stages, with an added twist – the four best third-placed sides joining the battle for glory!
Whoever you backing to go all the way, you can find the best AFCON betting odds at NetBet Sport, a fan-favourite UK betting site. You can enjoyed enhanced 1×2 odds on selected games throughout the tournament with NetBet Boosts.
AFCON: The Groups
Last time at the Nations Cup in Cameroon, we witnessed some real surprises – Comoros and The Gambia made waves while four-time champions Ghana made an early exit. Now, as we gear up for the 34th edition of this continental showdown, the big question is: what’s in store this time around? Let’s check out the groups:
Group A: Ivory Coast, Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea, Guinea-Bissau
Group B – Egypt, Ghana, Cape Verde, Mozambique
Group C – Senegal, Cameroon, Guinea, The Gambia
Group D – Algeria, Burkina Faso, Mauritania, Angola
Group E – Tunisia, Mali, South Africa, Namibia
Group F – Morocco, DR Congo, Zambia, Tanzania
AFCON: The Frontrunners
In the world of tournament football, where surprises are the norm, AFCON stands out as the epitome of unpredictability. Having witnessed seven different champions in the past, this year’s lineup of frontrunners promises yet another refreshing change. Brace yourself for the unexpected twists and turns. Let’s see who is looking to grab the crown this year.
Morocco – 6.00
Morocco, the AFCON favourites, earned their status after an impressive 2022 World Cup, making them the first African nation to reach the semi-finals. It was a dream for the North African side. They find themselves in Group F with Tanzania, DR Congo, and Zambia. Morocco are a strong favourite.
In Qatar, they made history as the first African country to reach the tournament’s semi-finals. Topping a group with Belgium, Croatia, and Canada, they then eliminated Spain and Portugal to secure a spot in the last four. They are rightly favourites here at AFCON. With quality players like PSG’s Achraf Hakimi, Hakim Ziyech, Nordin Amrabat, and a host of other players applying their trades in top leagues; it’s easy to see them going all the way in the Ivory Coast.
Senegal – 7.00
The reigning champions of AFCON come into 2024 knowing strong performances could put them in on an AFCON double. While the anarchic nature of this tournament means teams have rarely gone back to back, they have one of the strongest squads on the continent. They’ve embraced the infusion of youthful talent to complement seasoned stars like Sadio Mané, Idrissa Gueye, and Kalidou Koulibaly, creating a harmonious blend within the squad.
However, the one setback could be their squad levels. Stars Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly have made a move to Saudi Arabia; meaning they won’t be quite at the Champions League levels they were previously. Could the big money moves hold them back on an international level? It could be time for the younger players to step up; or will their older players’ World-class quality shine through once more?
Nigeria – 8.50
Let’s go the Super Eagles. For a while, the Nigerian squad has arrived at AFCON and underperformed. But, with the tournament golden boy, Victor Osimhen and Bayer Leverkusen’s red-hot striker Victor Boniface, they will surely score bags. They’ll be a fun side to watch this tournament. The big clubs will also keenly watch Osimhen as he becomes one of the hottest properties in club football, with loads of clubs ready to lump on the striker.
However, they are, like a juiced bodybuilder, exceptionally top-heavy. They could not only topple over but find themselves exceptionally vulnerable to good sides with potent attacks as they try to keep the goals at bay. Still, you just never know how the tournament unfolds. Scoring more than your opponent and going all in on goals rarely wins tournaments, but it could here.
Backing the Underdog?
Behind the leading pack, several countries will come in and fancy themselves to go all the way in this unpredictable setup. Let’s have a look at who could be chasing them down.
Ivory Coast – 8.00: Tournament hosts always do well. The home advantage and familiar surroundings go a long way. Although they have a tough group, hard games early set higher standards.
Algeria – 9.00: Even if they are carried by Riyad Mahrez, it is enough to sneak out of the group and into the quarters. A team that had its ups and downs but ultimately is still one of the best sides out there.
Cameroon – 10.00: Famously a side that underperforms. Could they perform this time around? With a few Premier League stars and Andre Onana, it’s another good side that needs direction.
Egypt – 10.00: With Mo Salah and a whole load of belief, you could go anywhere.
Where Are the Goals Coming From?
Traditionally low-scoring, AFCON’s path to success has favoured strong defences. However, this time around, brace yourself for an exciting twist with a fresh wave of talented attackers emerging from all corners of the continent, and of course the experienced stars. Here are the players likely to be leading the scoring charts:
Victor Osimhen (Nigeria) – 8.00: Osimhen is the favourite to finish as the top scorer. He’s wanted by most of the big clubs in Europe lacking a striker. It just depends on how Nigeria goes in this tournament.
Mo Salah (Egypt) – 9.00: Is he the best player in the world? Possibly. One thing is for sure, he knows where the goal is. He’s also dragged this team through multiple tournaments and qualifiers.
Youssef En-Nesyri (Morocco) – 10.00: This man is a killer. A great, traditional striker who just loves scoring. Deadly from close range and brilliant in the air. Playing in the top-tipped side in a good system, he could score hatfuls.
Sadio Mane (Senegal) – 15.00: Previously a Golden Boot winner, and world-class star, his move has made us wonder if he’s still got it. Of course he has. If Senegal goes far, he’ll be scoring along the way.
Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) – 15.00: Unless you watch the Saudi league, you’ve been missing Riyad’s magical feet. Well, he’s back now and might bang a few more screamers.
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