Your Best Bets for the 2023 AFCON

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is the continent’s premier international football tournament, showcasing the rich diversity of African football talent. Held every two years, AFCON gathers the best national teams from across Africa for a month-long competition that captivates fans on the continent and beyond. The 2023 tournament is almost upon us, hosted by Ivory Coast for the second time (they hosted the 1984 competition too), and the competition looks fierce among the elite nations. Senegal will be looking to defend their title, but they face a tough task — even football stars from the West African nation suggest that other countries might have the edge on them this time round. 

With a global following, AFCON attracts bettors as well as passionate fans, and millions will place bets on the action. So, if you fancy a flutter, who will you put your money on? Let’s take a look at some of the favourites to lift the title. 

Senegal

Defending champions after defeating Egypt on penalties in Cameroon 2021, Senegal is a potent force in African football, with top players such as goalkeeper Édouard Mendy and attacking luminary Sadio Mané. The latter, however, has voiced his concern about Senegal’s chances in the tournament, citing Ghana as the favourites to lift the trophy. 

Senegal is coming off the back of a disappointing World Cup campaign, where they were emphatically dumped out in the second round by England. However, many insiders still believe the Lions of Teranga have a good shout for back-to-back titles, especially with Aliou Cissé still at the helm as head coach, and a reasonably straightforward qualification. 

Ghana

The Black Stars have a long and storied history in world football, being crowned African champions on four occasions, though they haven’t lifted the trophy since 1982. Many outside of Africa will remember their performance in the 2010 World Cup, where they were inches from a famous victory over Uruguay, before succumbing to defeat in controversial fashion. Some might say that Ghana lacks star players in their squad, as they lack game changers such as past legends Abedi Pele, Asamoah Gyan, Michael Essien, and Sulley Muntari. But if Sadio Mané fancies their chances, they could be well worth a bet. 

Egypt

Seven-time champions Egypt should never be written off in any AFCON. They were only denied an eighth title last time out by a penalty shoot-out, and have formidable players, most notably Mohamad Salah of Liverpool. And while some have questioned the Egyptian King’s form so far this season, he has still made 12 assists and scored 12 goals in the Premier League, and perhaps more importantly, has the charisma, presence, and footballing brain to change matches and inspire teammates. Punters can find the best odds and options at vetted and reliable sportsbooks, and the most successful team in AFCON history will always be among the top favourites.

Nigeria

The Super Eagles are another evergreen force on the African football scene, and have three AFCON titles to their name, most recently in 2013 where they secured victory over Burkina Faso in the final. Nigeria also cruised through their qualification group, winning five out of six matches to finish top. 

With the exciting talent of Victor Osimhen up front, a title challenge could be on the cards. Osimhen is Serie A’s top scorer, and has helped put Napoli back at the zenith of Italian football, winning the league last season. Nigeria will be among the betting favourites in the run-up to the tournament. 

Cameroon

Semi-finalists last time out on home soil, Cameroon will be looking to reach the final in Ivory Coast. Hugely successful in AFCON history, the Indomitable Lions added a fifth title to their trophy cabinet back in 2017, beating Egypt in the final by two goals to one. 

With Cameroonian legend Rigobert Song on coaching duties for his first AFCON, squad morale is high, and after topping their group in qualification, they should come in with some momentum. They may be slight outsiders for many bookmakers, but expect to see a competitive showing. 

Algeria

A sometimes underrated force in African football, Algeria won their second AFCON title in 2019, and will be hoping to add a third this time round. After absolutely crushing their qualifying group, it’s clear the Fennec Foxes mean business. 

Fans of the Premier League will know the name Saïd Benrahma, the West Ham striker who is expected to net a few goals during the tournament. Algeria could go all the way and is definitely worth a flutter. 

As well as providing fans and bettors a great tournament, the competition provides opportunities for emerging talent to shine and strengthen the continent’s football infrastructure. And this competition is going to be hard fought, which provides extra excitement for the neutral, if winnings are on the line.