Africa Cup of Nations 2024

For the 2024 edition, Côte d'Ivoire will be hosting the event, marking an important occasion for the country. Hosting the AFCON presents a unique opportunity for Côte d'Ivoire to demonstrate its footballing passion and hospitality, as well as to showcase its cities and stadiums to an international audience.

The 2024 tournament is expected to be a display of top-level football, featuring stars from both African leagues and major European clubs. It's an occasion where emerging talents can make their mark and established stars can further their legacies.

Several teams stand out for their potential to make a significant impact in the tournament. Here's a closer look at some of the top teams to watch in the Africa Cup of Nations:

Nigeria

Previous Performances

Nigeria has a strong track record in the AFCON, having won the tournament three times. They are known for their consistent performances in international competitions.

Key Players

Victor Osimhen stands out as a prominent figure in the Nigerian squad. His skills and goal-scoring ability make him a player to watch. Other notable players include Samuel Chukwueze and Alex Iwobi, who bring depth and versatility to the team.

Ghana

Previous Performances

Ghana is another powerhouse in African football, with four AFCON titles to their name. They have consistently been one of the top teams in the tournament.

Key Players

The Ayew brothers, Jordan and Andre, are integral to Ghana's success, along with Thomas Partey and Inaki Williams, who bring strength and creativity to the midfield.

Egypt

Previous Performances

Egypt holds the record for the most AFCON titles, having won seven times. Their experience and historical success in the tournament make them a formidable opponent.

Key Players

Mohamed Salah, Liverpool's star forward, is the centerpiece of the Egyptian team. His exceptional talent and leadership on the field are crucial for Egypt's aspirations in the tournament.

Ivory Coast

Previous Performances

With two AFCON titles, Ivory Coast is always a strong contender. They have a history of producing top-quality players who perform well on the international stage.

Key Players

The likes of Serge Aurier, Franck Kessie, and Sébastien Haller form the backbone of the Ivorian team, combining experience with skill.

Senegal

Previous Performances

As the defending champions, having won their first title in 2021, Senegal will be looking to replicate their success in the upcoming tournament.

Key Players

Sadio Mane is the star of the Senegalese team, and his performance will be pivotal for their success. Alongside him, players like Ismaila Sarr and Kalidou Koulibaly add strength and agility to the team.

These teams, with their blend of experienced stars and exciting young talent, are poised to make the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations a thrilling spectacle. Their past achievements and current form indicate that they will be the teams to watch out for in what promises to be a fiercely contested tournament.

Tournament Structure 

The tournament involves 24 national teams. This format was expanded from the previous 16-team structure, allowing for a broader representation of African football.

The 24 teams are divided into six groups of four teams each. In this Group Stage, each team plays every other team in their group once.

The top two teams from each group automatically advance to the knockout stage. The four best third-placed teams across all groups also qualify for the knockout rounds.

Qualification Process

The qualification process ensures that the tournament features a diverse range of teams from across the continent, representing different footballing cultures and styles. It also offers an opportunity for lesser-known teams to compete on the big stage and potentially make their mark in African football history.

54 Participating Countries

The qualification process for AFCON is a large-scale event in itself, involving a total of 54 national teams from across Africa.

Preliminary Round

For the lower-ranked teams, a preliminary round is held. The successful teams from this round then join the higher-ranked teams in the main qualification process.

Main Qualification Phase

The teams are then divided into 12 groups of four teams each, where they compete in home-and-away round-robin matches.

Qualifying for the Finals

The top two teams from each of these 12 groups qualify for the final tournament. Additionally, the host nation (Côte d'Ivoire for the 2024 edition) automatically qualifies, making up the total of 24 teams.

Africa Cup of Nations Groups 2024

Bet on the AFCON – Top Betting Offers

The betting landscape for the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations in South Africa is quite dynamic, with various odds and insights available for the top teams and potential dark horses in the tournament.

Top Teams and Their Odds

1. Nigeria

As three-time AFCON champions, Nigeria is considered a favourite. The team's quality is reflected in their players, like Victor Osimhen and Alex Iwobi.

2. Algeria

Another strong contender with a two-time champion status, Algeria is banking on players like Riyad Mahrez.

3. Egypt

With a record of 7 AFCON titles, Egypt, led by Mohamed Salah, is also a formidable team.

4. Ghana

The Black Stars, four-time champions, are among the favourites with key players like Jordan Ayew.

5. Ivory Coast

With two titles and players like Serge Aurier, they are contenders.

6. Senegal

The 2021 title winners, Senegal, led by Sadio Mane, are looking to repeat their performance​​.

AFCAN Betting Tips

• It’s crucial to consider not just the star power but also the current form and performance of teams.

• Early bets can be advantageous, but it's important to do thorough research.

• Understanding team dynamics, including player disputes or coaching changes, can provide an edge in betting.

• Being familiar with different types of bets, such as moneyline, spread, totals, and futures, is important for informed betting decisions​​.

Where to Bet: Top Betting Sites for AFCON 2024

Bet.co.za

1xBet

10bet