Ranking the top 5 favorites to win the African Cup of Nations 2025

The 2025 African Cup of Nations has been intense, arguably making the tournament more fascinating to watch. At the start of the tournament, 24 nations were divided into six groups of four.

However, eight teams were eliminated due to their failure to secure sufficient points that would guarantee qualification for the round of 16. The predictions regarding who could go on to win the African Cup of Nations 2025 trophy have begun as widely expected.

Thus, this article will examine some critical metrics and predict the top five favorites to win the trophy.

#5 Senegal

Benin v Senegal: Group D - Africa Cup Of Nations - Source: Getty

The Teranga Lions are arguably one of the favourites to win the African Cup of Nations due to their squad depth and consistency in recent years. They have also been brilliant and have remained unbeaten in the ongoing AFCON 2025.

Senegal registered seven points during the group stage to cement their spot as Group D winners. They scored seven goals and conceded only one goal, arguably proving that Pape Thiaw's men are solid in attack and defense.

Meanwhile, if they defeat Sudan in the round of 16, the Teranga Lions would face Tunisia or Mali in the quarterfinals. Considering their balance and depth in their squad, they have a decent shot at the trophy.

However, the experience of players like Sadio Mane and Nicolas Jackson will be highly needed as the competition progresses. Senegal won their first-ever AFCON trophy in 2021, and recent performances could indicate that the players are looking to rewrite history.

#4 Nigeria

Uganda vs Nigeria Group C - 2025 Africa Cup Of Nations - Source: Getty

Nigeria remains one of the favorites for the AFCON 2025 trophy despite failing to secure qualification for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup competition. The Super Eagles are one of the only two teams that secured maximum points during the group stages.

A performance that has proven that they are eager to rewrite their wrongs and give their supporters a glimpse of hope regarding the future. They arguably have one of the strongest attack having scored eight goals in three games so far.

Nigeria finished as the runners-up in the last AFCON competition in 2024. However, their defensive inconsistency, having failed to keep a clean sheet in the competition, is a major issue that they might have to deal with. The Super Eagles have won the African Cup of Nations three times since the inception of the competition.

#3 Egypt

Egypt v South Africa - Africa Cup of Nations - Source: Getty

Egypt has been the most successful nation in the African Cup of Nations, having won the trophy seven times. Meanwhile, the Pharaohs registered victories against Zimbabwe and South Africa and drew against Angola to finish as the Group B winners.

A decent outing that has arguably improved their chances of emerging as the champions. However, the likes of Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush, and Trezeguet have to improve in attack, as the competition is becoming more intense.

#2 Algeria

Algeria v Burkina Faso: Group E - African Cup Of Nations - Source: Getty

The Desert Foxes have been convincing and clinical in front of goal in the ongoing AFCON 2025 competition. They won all of their group stage encounters despite making substantial changes in the starting XI in their final Group E game against Equatorial Guinea.

A performance that indicates that Algeria are gradually looking to put their poor run in the last AFCON behind them. The Desert Foxes were eliminated in the group stage during the 2023 African Cup of Nations after registering two points from three games.

Considering their recent improvement in this year's edition, together with the experience of Riyad Mahrez, they could go on and win the trophy. Algeria has won the AFCON trophy two times.

#1 Morocco

Morocco v Mali: Group A - African Cup Of Nations - Source: Getty

In the last two African Cup of Nations tournaments, the hosts have been victorious, arguably proving that a hosting nation ususally have a decent shot at the trophy. Meanwhile, Morocco has been one of the bookies' favorites to win the trophy, considering their brilliance in the tournament so far.

The Atlas Lions arguably have one of the most powerful squads, given their depth and quality in attack and defense. The Moroccans were deadly in front of goal as Brahim Diaz and Ayoub El Kaabi scored three goals each to help the team secure seven points, which saw them top Group A.

While their resilience might be tested in the round of 16, the presence of their fans and familiarity with the pitches could help them defeat their opponents. Morocco has managed to win just one African Cup of Nations trophy, which was in 1976.

Edited by Abel Yisa