AFCON 2025

AFCON 2025 🇲🇦 Your Ultimate AFCON Betting Guide

AFCON 2025 is officially live in Morocco — and if you’ve ever watched this tournament, you know it’s pure chaos in the best way: massive atmospheres, stubborn defences, late goals, and underdogs that can ruin (or make) your weekend. This AFCON / AFCON 2025 hub is built for South African punters who want the best odds, the strongest promos, and the smartest markets — without wasting time hunting around.

✅ Bet Builders ✅ Cash Out ✅ Mobile Betting ✅ SA Deposit Methods
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Outright Winner & Groups

Track the favourites, dark horses, and group qualifiers — plus smart ways to bet outrights without nuking your bankroll.

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Match Picks & Goals

AFCON can be tight and low-scoring. Learn the best markets for these games: unders, BTTS, double chance and more.

See markets →
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Bonuses & Quick Deposits

Get in fast with Instant EFT, vouchers or Zapper — then claim the best welcome deals for tournament betting.

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🇸🇳 Senegal Crowned AFCON 2026 Champions

A champion’s run built on control, confidence, and clutch moments.

Senegal marched through AFCON 2026 with authority, blending defensive discipline with moments of attacking brilliance. When the pressure peaked, they stayed composed — proving once again why they are Africa’s benchmark side.

✔ Group Stage: Unbeaten ✔ Quarter-Final: Win ✔ Semi-Final: Shutout ✔ Final: Champions
  • 🇸🇳 Senegal 2–0 Cameroon — Group Stage
  • 🇸🇳 Senegal 1–1 Algeria (W on penalties) — Group Stage
  • 🇸🇳 Senegal 3–1 Nigeria — Quarter-Final
  • 🇸🇳 Senegal 1–0 Morocco — Semi-Final
  • 🇸🇳 Senegal 1–0 Côte d’Ivoire — Final (⚽ winning goal: 68’)

The final delivered edge-of-the-seat tension. A decisive 68th-minute strike, relentless defensive shape, and a late Ivory Coast surge were all absorbed with the calm of true champions as Senegal lifted the AFCON trophy once more.

Senegal celebrate winning AFCON 2026

Best Sportsbooks for AFCON 2025 Betting

AFCON 2025 in Morocco is where underdogs bite, favourites wobble, and one goal can decide your whole night. If you’re betting on AFCON, the sportsbook you choose matters — especially for tight scorelines, live markets, bet builders and fast withdrawals. Below are our Top 6 sportsbooks for AFCON 2025 betting in South Africa, picked for strong odds, solid match markets, and a smooth mobile experience.

Best for Live AFCON Betting

World Sports Betting

  • Excellent live odds during AFCON matches
  • Strong cash-out features
  • Wide AFCON market coverage
  • Trusted local SA bookmaker
Bet on AFCON with WSB
Best Overall AFCON Experience

Betway

  • Top-tier AFCON bet builders
  • Clean mobile betting experience
  • Consistent odds across all stages
  • Fast payouts for SA players
Bet on AFCON with Betway
Best for Promos & Bet Builders

Hollywoodbets

  • Strong AFCON bet builder markets
  • Regular tournament promotions
  • Excellent mobile app
  • Local SA favourite
Bet on AFCON with Hollywoodbets
Best for Easy Betting

Supabets

  • Beginner-friendly betting layout
  • Solid AFCON odds & markets
  • Quick deposits and withdrawals
  • Reliable SA operator
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Best for Odds Value

10bet

  • Competitive AFCON match odds
  • Great coverage of smaller nations
  • Simple bet slip
  • Popular with experienced punters
Bet on AFCON with 10bet
Best for Accas & Multiples

Sportingbet

  • Excellent accumulator betting
  • Strong international market depth
  • Reliable live betting engine
  • Backed by a global betting group
Bet on AFCON with Sportingbet

AFCON 2025 📰 Latest News & Talking Points

We’re tracking the biggest stories from the tournament — results, drama and turning points that move odds fast. New stories get added (we don’t delete older ones), so this becomes your AFCON timeline.

Senegal crowned AFCON champions
Champions Updated: 21 Jan 2026

Senegal crowned AFCON champions 🏆 Teranga energy all tournament

Calm, clinical and composed — Senegal finish the tournament exactly how champions should: controlling game-states and thriving under pressure.

Bet angle: Senegal games often suit Win + Under 3.5, BTTS: No and Clean Sheet angles.

Brahim’s Panenka in the AFCON final
Final Drama Updated: 21 Jan 2026

The Panenka that flipped the final 😮‍💨 One moment, instant momentum

Finals are decided by nerve — and the Panenka moment didn’t just beat the keeper, it changed the entire rhythm of the match (and the crowd) in seconds.

Bet angle: After big moments, live value often shifts to Next Goal, Cards, and Late Goal (75+) markets.

Pape Gueye wins Man of the Match in the AFCON final
MOTM Updated: 21 Jan 2026

Man of the Match: Pape Gueye ⭐ Bossed the final + delivered the goal

Some players go quiet in finals. Gueye went louder — big tackles, big engine, and the moment that stamped his name on the trophy.

Bet angle: Track this profile — value can sit in Anytime Scorer (set-pieces) and player props where available.

AFCON upset reference: Comoros vs Ghana
Tournament Trend Updated: 21 Jan 2026

No giant-killings this AFCON 👀 A rare “by the book” tournament

One of the strangest storylines: we didn’t get the classic AFCON shockwaves. Favourites handled business and the knockouts stayed surprisingly predictable.

Bet angle: When tournaments run “clean”, markets reward favourite protection — think DNB, To Qualify, and Win + Under 4.5 builders.

AFCON final chaos and controversy
Controversy Updated: 21 Jan 2026

Final chaos: walk-off scenes + Panenka “rigged?” debate goes viral

The post-match conversation exploded — clips, hot takes, and accusations flying. It’s online speculation and emotion in the moment, but it became one of the loudest talking points.

Bet angle: Controversial endings can spill into next fixtures — watch cards, unders, and “response games” where teams come out tight and aggressive.

Nigeria take bronze at AFCON 2025
Bronze Updated: 21 Jan 2026

Nigeria take bronze 🥉 A strong finish and a statement for the next cycle

Nigeria end the tournament on a high with bronze — the kind of result that resets confidence and builds momentum heading into the next run.

Bet angle: Nigeria often play best as front-foot favourites — look at Win to Nil and Over 1.5 team goals in the right matchups.

AFCON 2025 semi-finals confirmed
Knockouts Updated: 10 Jan 2026

Semi-finals locked in: Morocco vs Nigeria 🔥 Senegal vs Egypt ⚔️

The tournament is down to the heavyweights — and these matchups have “tight game, big moment” written all over them. Expect cagey first halves, huge set-piece pressure, and late swings when legs go.

Bet angle: Semi-finals often trade in fine margins — consider Under 2.5, HT Draw, and To Qualify over chasing 90-min winners.

Egypt knock out holders Ivory Coast
Shock Result Updated: 11 Jan 2026

Egypt dump out the defending champs — Salah magic shows up when it matters

AFCON does AFCON things again. Egypt knocked out the holders in a chaotic, high-pressure battle — and it’s a reminder that “tournament teams” thrive when games turn ugly.

Bet angle: When Egypt reach knockouts, value often sits in qualify markets + unders. They’re built for grind football.

Algeria vs Nigeria handball controversy
VAR Drama Updated: 11 Jan 2026

Handball chaos: Algeria denied a penalty vs Nigeria and the debate explodes

One decision, a million opinions. A big handball/penalty appeal gets waved away and suddenly the story becomes refereeing, nerves, and how teams react under pressure.

Bet angle: After controversial calls, next-match value often sits in cards markets + unders (teams play tighter, emotions run hotter).

Brahim Diaz Golden Boot race
Golden Boot Updated: 10 Jan 2026

Golden Boot race heats up: Brahim Díaz leads after Morocco’s big quarter-final moment

Tight games usually mean “one moment wins it” — and the top scorers list is starting to separate. Watch who’s on pens, who’s taking set-pieces, and who’s getting the high-xG chances late.

Bet angle: In knockouts, target Anytime Scorer / Shots on Target for the main man — especially when they’re on pens.

CAF announces AFCON schedule change to every four years (after 2028)
CAF Update Updated: 20 Dec 2025

CAF confirms AFCON will move to every 4 years (after 2028) — and prize money goes up

One of the biggest AFCON headlines off the pitch: CAF says the tournament will shift from a two-year cycle to a four-year cycle after 2028. The announcement also came with big money talk — a sign the competition’s commercial pull is only growing.

Bet angle: Bigger prize pools + calendar changes often mean more intensity — watch for favourites to win clean and late-group urgency in must-win matches.

Morocco vs Mali AFCON 2025 match action
Hosts Updated: 26 Dec 2025

Morocco’s first wobble: Mali hold the hosts 1–1 (and a missed penalty fuels the debate)

Morocco’s home momentum finally met resistance as Mali dug in, matched them physically and walked away with a big point. Add a missed penalty and suddenly the “clear tournament favourites” chat cools down a notch.

Bet angle: When hosts hit a tactical wall, look for Under 2.5, DNB and win + under 3.5 builders — especially vs compact, counter sides.

Bafana Bafana vs Egypt AFCON 2025 match action
Bafana Updated: 26 Dec 2025

Bafana take a knock: Egypt beat South Africa 1–0 and the group gets spicy

South Africa’s early momentum took a hit as Egypt edged it 1–0 — the kind of result that turns a “comfortable” group into a calculator job. The conversation now shifts to permutations, goal difference and bounce-back pressure.

Bet angle: Tight groups usually mean conservative game states — consider Under 2.5, HT Draw, and SA Double Chance next up if the market overreacts.

Cameroon vs Ivory Coast AFCON 2025 match action
Group Chaos Updated: 28 Dec 2025

Giants cancel each other out: Cameroon vs Ivory Coast ends level — and the disallowed-goal drama explodes

Two AFCON heavyweights went toe-to-toe in a match that had everything: big chances, big pressure, and multiple “wait… that doesn’t count?!” moments. It’s exactly the type of group chaos that creates value if you move fast.

Bet angle: In “giants vs giants” fixtures, markets often overprice goals — sniff for Under lines, Draw and Correct Score value, then trade in-play late.

Morocco celebrate in AFCON 2025 opener (replace image)
Hosts Updated: 22 Dec 2025

Morocco start AFCON 2025 with a 2–0 win (and a goal-of-the-tournament contender)

The hosts opened with a confident win over Comoros, with Ayoub El Kaabi sealing it in style with a stunning bicycle kick. Morocco’s home crowd + momentum could make them a serious “go deep” team.

Bet angle: Hosts often manage games — look at HT/FT and win + under 3.5 style builders once they go ahead.

South Africa celebrate vs Angola (replace image)
Bafana Updated: 22 Dec 2025

Bafana Bafana land a huge 2–1 win over Angola (Foster with the moment)

South Africa opened their Group B campaign with a gritty win in Marrakech, with Lyle Foster curling a superb winner. It’s the kind of “win ugly” result that sets you up for qualification.

Bet angle: Group stages are tight — consider Double Chance / DNB and Under 3.5 in similar matchups.

Patson Daka scores late for Zambia (replace image)
Drama Updated: 22 Dec 2025

AFCON drama is back: Daka’s stoppage-time header rescues Zambia vs Mali

Mali looked in control, but Zambia stole a point late through Patson Daka — a perfect reminder that AFCON often turns on one moment. Expect more late swings as fatigue and pressure build.

Bet angle: Late goals matter — watch for 2nd half goals, “team to score 1+”, and conservative first halves.

Tip: For the most accurate kick-off times (and any schedule changes), always cross-check the live fixtures list on SuperSport.

AFCON 2025 Betting Markets Explained

If you’re betting on AFCON 2025, don’t only focus on match winners. AFCON football is tight, tactical and unpredictable — which is why understanding the right betting markets gives you a serious edge as a South African punter.

How to Think About AFCON Betting

AFCON matches are often decided by a single moment. Teams start cautiously, knockout games slow down, and favourites regularly get frustrated. That’s why proBets always looks at game state first, not just team names.

AFCON 2025 Morocco match action

Probets tip: Before placing any AFCON bet, check:

  • Goal lines (unders often hold value)
  • Risk reducers like Double Chance or DNB
  • Second-half goals and late drama markets
  • Low-risk Bet Builder combinations
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Under 2.5 Goals

A classic AFCON angle. Tight games and deep defences make unders a consistent value play.

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Both Teams To Score – NO

Ideal when one team is likely to control the game or defend a narrow lead.

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Double Chance (1X / X2)

Reduce risk while still backing underdogs capable of pulling off a result.

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Draw No Bet (DNB)

Stake refunded on a draw — perfect for evenly matched AFCON fixtures.

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Correct Score

Best used selectively when you strongly expect a 0–0, 1–0 or 1–1 game.

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Bet Builder

Combine low-risk selections to boost odds without chasing wild multiples.

How to Deposit & Bet on AFCON 2025 in South Africa

Want to get your AFCON bet on quickly? Whether you prefer Instant EFT, vouchers, or quick wallet-style payments, the process is simple — and you don’t need a credit card. Below is the fastest way to deposit and start betting on AFCON 2025.

Fast 4-Step Setup (Works for Any Sportsbook)

  1. Choose a sportsbook (from our top picks)

    Pick one of the recommended AFCON books above and create your account (takes 2–3 minutes).

  2. Open the “Deposit” or “Cashier” page

    This is where you’ll see all available payment options like EFT, vouchers, Zapper or cards.

  3. Select your payment method

    Choose Instant EFT if you want speed, or vouchers if you prefer cash-style deposits.

  4. Confirm your deposit & place your AFCON bet

    Once the money reflects, head to the AFCON section and bet match winner, goals, or a bet builder.

Probets Tip: If you’re betting daily during AFCON, choose a method that’s fast and repeatable (Instant EFT or wallet payments) so you don’t miss match kickoffs.

Instant EFT (Fastest for Most SA Players)

Deposit straight from your bank account without using a card. Ideal if you want to load and bet quickly before kickoff.

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Betting Vouchers (Cash-Style Deposits)

Perfect if you prefer buying a voucher at Pep, Shoprite, Pick n Pay or your local spaza — then loading it into your sportsbook.

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Zapper / QR Payments (Quick & Clean)

If your sportsbook supports Zapper, it’s one of the smoothest mobile deposit options — scan, confirm, and you’re funded.

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Bank Card Deposits (If Available)

Cards are still an option on many sites, but EFT and vouchers are often simpler for SA players — especially for quick top-ups.

AFCON 2025 🇲🇦 Tournament Overview & What You Need to Know

The Africa Cup of Nations is Africa’s biggest football tournament — and one of the most unpredictable betting competitions in the world. Before betting on AFCON, it helps to understand how the tournament is structured and why group-stage dynamics matter so much.

📍 Host Nation

AFCON 2025 is hosted across Morocco, using modern stadiums in multiple cities with strong local support.

🌍 Teams Involved

24 national teams qualify from across Africa, creating huge variation in quality, tactics and experience.

🧩 Tournament Format

Teams are split into groups of four, playing each other once. Points decide standings, with draws often playing a key role early on.

➡️ Qualification Rules

Group winners, runners-up, and the best third-placed teams progress — meaning even cautious, draw-focused sides can advance.

AFCON 2025 stadiums in Morocco

🏟️ Host Cities & Stadiums (9 Venues)

  • Casablanca – Stade Mohammed V (~45,000)
  • Rabat – Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium (~53,000)
  • Tangier – Ibn Batouta Stadium (~65,000)
  • Marrakesh – Grand Stade de Marrakech (~45,000)
  • Agadir – Adrar Stadium (~45,000)
  • Fez – Fez Stadium (~45,000)
  • Meknes – Stade d’Honneur (~25,000)
  • Oujda – Stade Municipal (~35,000)
  • Tetouan – Saniet Rmel Stadium (~25,000)

How Smart Bettors Approach AFCON

Favourites Don’t Dominate

Big names regularly struggle early — blind favourite betting is dangerous.

Goals Are Hard Earned

Low-scoring matches are common, especially in group and knockout games.

Heat & Fatigue Matter

Conditions and scheduling impact second halves and late goals.

Markets Beat Team Names

Smart AFCON betting is about markets, not badges.

Ready to get in on the action? 🔥

Pick a sportsbook below and start betting on AFCON 2025.

AFCON 2025 Groups 🧩 Group Vibes, Teams to Watch & Group Stage Betting Tips

AFCON 2025 has 6 groups (A–F) with 4 teams per group. In the group stage, each team plays 3 matches — and because qualification can include best third-placed teams, group dynamics can get spicy fast (especially once teams start playing for a “safe” point).

AFCON 2025 groups
Tip: Keep this image updated if the draw graphic changes on your socials.

✅ Who Qualifies From Each Group?

The group stage doesn’t just reward “top 2 and done”. AFCON usually sends more teams through: the top two teams from each group plus the best four third-placed teams advance into the Round of 16 — which is why some groups turn into a points-and-goal-difference chess match.

Top 2 qualify Best 4 third-placed qualify Round of 16 begins

Group A

🔥 Pressure Group

Morocco, Mali, Zambia, Comoros

Teams to watch: Morocco (home energy), Mali (midfield steel).

Bet angle: Don’t overpay for the host early — look at unders / Morocco win + under 3.5 type builders when matchups are cagey.

Group B

⚡ Upset Potential

Angola, Egypt, South Africa, Zimbabwe

Teams to watch: Egypt (big-game edge), South Africa (tempo + transitions).

Bet angle: Group games can be “risk-managed” — double chance and draw no bet are your friends.

Group C

🧨 Trap Group

Nigeria, Tanzania, Tunisia, Uganda

Teams to watch: Nigeria (star power), Tunisia (tournament know-how).

Bet angle: Watch the first matchday. If the favourite looks flat, pivot to under goals + qualify markets instead of outright wins.

Group D

☠️ Group of Death

Benin, Botswana, DR Congo, Senegal

Teams to watch: Senegal (depth), DR Congo (physical matchups).

Bet angle: In hard groups, don’t force winners — target cards, unders, and “team to qualify” rather than 1X2.

Group E

🧱 Grinder Group

Algeria, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Sudan

Teams to watch: Algeria (quality), Burkina Faso (awkward opponent).

Bet angle: These groups often reward patience — under 2.5 and HT draw style markets can be value.

Group F

⭐ Heavyweights

Cameroon, Gabon, Ivory Coast, Mozambique

Teams to watch: Ivory Coast (power), Cameroon (AFCON DNA).

Bet angle: Heavyweight groups are perfect for bet builders (win + under/over line) once you see each team’s rhythm.

🎯 Tip 1: Treat Matchday 1 as “Data”

Don’t empty the clip on day one. Use the first round to gauge intensity, tempo, discipline, and finishing — then scale up once patterns appear.

🧠 Tip 2: Qualification Markets Are Safer

Because third-place teams can progress, “to qualify” often offers better long-term value than backing a team to win every group match.

🔒 Tip 3: Goals Markets Win AFCON

AFCON group games are frequently cagey. Build around unders, double chance, draw-no-bet and late-goal angles instead of pure 1X2.

AFCON 2025 ⭐ Teams & Players to Watch (and How to Bet Them)

AFCON is where reputations get tested. Some teams are built for the tournament grind, others are pure chaos. Below are the squads that usually bring the biggest energy — plus the players who can decide tight games with one moment. (*Final squads can change — treat this as a watchlist, not a confirmed XI.)

Teams with “AFCON DNA”

These are the sides that tend to show up when games get tight: structured defending, set-piece threat, and enough quality to win ugly.

Morocco 🇲🇦

Host boost

Home crowds + familiarity with conditions. Expect control, pressure, and big moments.

Bet angle: “Win to nil” and “win + under 3.5” builders often fit hosts in cagey games.

Senegal 🇸🇳

Tournament muscle

Physical, organised, hard to break down — built for knockouts.

Bet angle: Back them in qualify markets or DNB early; scale into outrights later.

Nigeria 🇳🇬

Chaos + firepower

Explosive transitions and match-winners — but can be streaky.

Bet angle: Better in BTTS / goals markets than heavy 1X2 favourites.

Algeria 🇩🇿

Control team

Strong technical level with game management when they’re in rhythm.

Bet angle: Look for HT draw + win (second-half control) patterns.

Egypt 🇪🇬

Knockout mentality

Pragmatic football, patience, and comfort in tight scorelines.

Bet angle: Great for unders, draw no bet, and “qualify” markets.

Ivory Coast 🇨🇮 / Cameroon 🇨🇲

Big-game pedigree

When these teams click, they bully matchups — especially late in tournaments.

Bet angle: Target set-piece / cards and “win + under/over” builders once form is clear.

Group Stage Tip That Prints 🧠

In Matchday 1, favour risk reducers (Double Chance / DNB / Under 3.5) over “must-win” narratives. AFCON teams often start cautious — the best value usually appears once patterns settle.

Top Players to Watch at Afcon 2025⭐ (Match-Winners)

African Cup of Nations games are often decided by one moment: a set-piece, a counter, a bit of magic. These are the players who can flip a match even when the game is tight. Add their thumbnails in the slots below.

Mohamed Salah thumbnail

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Elite end-product + calm under pressure. He’s the type who can win you a match with one touch — especially in cagey group games.

Bryan Mbeumo thumbnail

Bryan Mbeumo (Cameroon)

Direct runner, carries threat in transitions and around the box. Perfect for AFCON where counters and half-chances decide outcomes.

Achraf Hakimi thumbnail

Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

High-impact from wide areas — overlaps, deliveries, and shots. In home games he can be the engine that turns pressure into goals.

Victor Osimhen thumbnail

Victor Osimhen (Nigeria)

Chaos striker: presses, runs channels, attacks crosses. Even if Nigeria struggle, he can still pop up with an “ugly” goal.

Riyad Mahrez thumbnail

Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

Set-piece quality + creativity in low blocks. When games slow down, he’s the one who can unlock a defence.

Sadio Mane thumbnail

Sadio Mané (Senegal)

Tournament menace. Direct, physical, and decisive — especially late in matches when fatigue opens spaces.

Anytime Goalscorer Player To Score / Assist Shots on Target Win + Under 3.5 To Qualify

Probets tip: If a sportsbook offers it, player markets can be safer than picking winners — especially in AFCON group games where draws are common.

Ready to get in on the action? 🔥

Tap a sportsbook below to bet on AFCON 2025 (SA-friendly options).

AFCON 2025 📅 Group Stage Fixtures (All Groups)

Here’s the full Group Stage schedule in one place — kept clean and easy to scan. Times are listed as GMT with SAST in brackets.

Heads up: opening-day kick-off times can shift — where times are not confirmed yet, we’ve marked them as TBC. Venues and later kick-offs are listed as scheduled.

A

Group A

Morocco • Comoros • Mali • Zambia

Date Match Venue Kick-off
Sun, 21 Dec Morocco vs Comoros Rabat (opening game) TBC
Mon, 22 Dec Mali vs Zambia Casablanca TBC
Fri, 26 Dec Morocco vs Mali Rabat 20:00 (22:00)
Fri, 26 Dec Zambia vs Comoros Casablanca 17:30 (19:30)
Mon, 29 Dec Comoros vs Mali Casablanca 17:30 (19:30)
Mon, 29 Dec Zambia vs Morocco Rabat 17:30 (19:30)
B

Group B

Egypt • South Africa • Angola • Zimbabwe

Date Match Venue Kick-off
Mon, 22 Dec South Africa vs Angola Marrakech TBC
Mon, 22 Dec Egypt vs Zimbabwe Agadir TBC
Fri, 26 Dec Angola vs Zimbabwe Marrakech 12:00 (14:00)
Fri, 26 Dec Egypt vs South Africa Agadir 14:30 (16:30)
Mon, 29 Dec Angola vs Egypt Agadir 15:00 (17:00)
Mon, 29 Dec Zimbabwe vs South Africa Marrakech 15:00 (17:00)
C

Group C

Nigeria • Tunisia • Tanzania • Uganda

Date Match Venue Kick-off
Tue, 23 Dec Nigeria vs Tanzania Fès 17:00 (19:00)
Tue, 23 Dec Tunisia vs Uganda Rabat 19:30 (21:30)
Sat, 27 Dec Uganda vs Tanzania Rabat 17:30 (19:30)
Sat, 27 Dec Nigeria vs Tunisia Fès 20:00 (22:00)
Tue, 30 Dec Tanzania vs Tunisia Fès 17:30 (19:30)
Tue, 30 Dec Uganda vs Nigeria Rabat 17:30 (19:30)
D

Group D

Senegal • DR Congo • Benin • Botswana

Date Match Venue Kick-off
Tue, 23 Dec DR Congo vs Benin Rabat 12:00 (14:00)
Tue, 23 Dec Senegal vs Botswana Tangier 14:30 (16:30)
Sat, 27 Dec Benin vs Botswana Rabat 12:00 (14:00)
Sat, 27 Dec Senegal vs DR Congo Tangier 14:30 (16:30)
Tue, 30 Dec DR Congo vs Botswana Tangier 12:00 (14:00)
Tue, 30 Dec Benin vs Senegal Rabat 12:00 (14:00)
E

Group E

Cameroon • Ivory Coast • Gabon • Mozambique

Date Match Venue Kick-off
Wed, 24 Dec Ivory Coast vs Mozambique Marrakech 17:00 (19:00)
Wed, 24 Dec Cameroon vs Gabon Agadir 19:30 (21:30)
Sun, 28 Dec Gabon vs Mozambique Agadir 12:00 (14:00)
Sun, 28 Dec Ivory Coast vs Cameroon Marrakech 20:00 (22:00)
Wed, 31 Dec Cameroon vs Mozambique Marrakech 20:00 (22:00)
Wed, 31 Dec Gabon vs Ivory Coast Agadir 20:00 (22:00)
F

Group F

Algeria • Burkina Faso • Sudan • Equatorial Guinea

Date Match Venue Kick-off
Wed, 24 Dec Burkina Faso vs Equatorial Guinea Casablanca 12:00 (14:00)
Wed, 24 Dec Algeria vs Sudan Rabat 14:30 (16:30)
Sun, 28 Dec Equatorial Guinea vs Sudan Casablanca 14:30 (16:30)
Sun, 28 Dec Algeria vs Burkina Faso Rabat 17:00 (19:00)
Wed, 31 Dec Sudan vs Burkina Faso Rabat 17:00 (19:00)
Wed, 31 Dec Equatorial Guinea vs Algeria Casablanca 17:00 (19:00)

AFCON 2025 🏆 Knockout Stage Explained (and why 3rd place matters)

Once the group stage ends, AFCON turns into pure survival football. The big twist: not only group winners and runners-up go through — some third-placed teams also qualify. That changes how teams play (and how you should bet) late in the groups.

How Qualification Works (Quick & Clear)

This is the part that confuses most new bettors — and it’s exactly where the “value” lives near Matchday 3.

  • 🥇

    Top 2 in every group qualify

    That’s 12 teams straight through from Groups A–F.

  • 🥉

    Best 3rd-placed teams qualify too

    A further 4 teams advance based on points (then goal difference, goals scored, etc.).

  • 🧮

    Matchday 3 becomes “maths football”

    Teams on 3–4 points often play to protect a draw if it’s enough for 3rd place.

  • 🧊

    Knockouts tighten even more

    Expect slower starts, cautious first halves, and games decided by one set-piece or late moment.

Knockout Bracket (We’ll fill this in live)

Use these slots as placeholders now, then replace with real matchups once groups finish.

Round of 16

R16-1: Group Winner vs 3rd Place (TBC)
R16-2: Runner-up vs Runner-up (TBC)
R16-3: Group Winner vs 3rd Place (TBC)

Quarter-finals

QF-1: Winner R16-1 vs Winner R16-2
QF-2: Winner R16-3 vs Winner R16-4
QF-3: Winner R16-5 vs Winner R16-6

Semi-finals

SF-1: Winner QF-1 vs Winner QF-2
SF-2: Winner QF-3 vs Winner QF-4
3rd Place Playoff: (TBC)

Final

FINAL: Winner SF-1 vs Winner SF-2
Venue: (TBC)
Kick-off: (TBC)

Ready for the knockouts? 🔥

Bookies tighten prices late in tournaments — get set up early.