The biggest international tournament of Africa is around the corner.
The last seven tournament editions have given us seven different winners. Will the trend continue this time? Let's list those standing out as favourites.
5. Nigeria
The Super Eagles have suffered two big blows as Bundesliga revelation Victor Boniface and star defensive midfielder Wilfred Ndidi picked up serious injuries.
Still, Nigeria can be considered among the favourites for their average quality in each line – especially up front with Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen and in-form Ademola Lookman leading the line. Their back-up offensive options include the likes of Kelechi Iheanacho and Umar Sadiq known for their pace and scoring ability.
While limited defensively, Nigeria will surely focus on getting the best out of their wingers and forwards. Their opening clash against Equatorial Guinea would be a great way to start the campaign ahead of more challenging clashes against Ivory Coast and Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria's recent form is worrying, but bookies still brand them as dark horses and possible candidates to win this AFCON edition: should they lift the trophy, every dollar you bet on Nigeria would bring you 10 more.
4. Ivory Coast
Despite missing the likes of Wilfried Zaha and Simon Adingra, the tournament hosts will display a solid close-knit squad that could cause an upset on home venues.
As always, the Ivorians have a number of high-scoring midfielders and an impressive attacking roster – even established players from top-five leagues like Jonathan Bamba and Jeremie Boga aren’t guaranteed starters.
Former France assistant coach Jean-Louis Gasset has turned Ivory Coast into a team that’s capable of dominating any game with possession of over 60 per cent. His side look well-balanced and clinical enough in front of goal.
Bookies also believe the Elephants could end up unbeatable on their home turf, the odds being as appealing as 7/10.
3. Algeria
The Fennec Foxes are in top form and should absolutely be considered the favourites to win this one.
Djamel Belmadi's side feature such proven stars as Riyad Mahrez, Ismael Bennacer and Ramy Bensebaini, but their actual jackpot may be striker Mohamed Amoura who has perfectly replaced Victor Boniface at Royale Union with 13 goals in 15 league games this season.
As usual, Algeria will make the most of their attack-minded full-backs and use Mahrez as their main creative force. We shouldn’t also underestimate young revelation Fares Chaibi who’s got 9 assists in 22 games for Eintracht Frankfurt this season.
What if we tell you that 7/1 odds may be worth a punt and could make a nice pay-out come 11 February?
2. Senegal
The Lions of Teranga may be lacking quality in midfield, but their shiny front and back lines make them well-positioned to repeat what they did in 2021. They've only lost two games out of 16 since last January, one of them coming against a strong Algeria side.
Aliou Cisse's squad features the likes of Sadio Mane, Kalidou Koulibaly, Edouard Mendy and Nicolas Jackson, as well as some decent bench options.
Senegal often rely on counters and high-tempo attacks, sometimes using their defenders as the main creative force for their ability to send in long balls. Their individual quality up front is what makes them formidable, though – even Brazil couldn’t stop them last year, conceding four goals.
Bookies rate Senegal as second likeliest to claim another AFCON trophy, with odds slashed at 6/1.
1. Morocco
It's hard to believe it, but the recent World Cup heroes have not won the Africa Cup of Nations since 1976. Their best achievement since then has been the runner-up finish in 2004.
Walid Regragui's starting eleven wouldn't be much different from the one he showed off in Qatar – and it's full of stars.
Unlike Senegal, it’s the midfield and defence that should bring Morocco success at this AFCON. Their starting attackers have been out of form this season but should have few problems facing Tanzania, DR Congo and Zambia in the group stage.
Although it’s been over a year since their World Cup heroics, Morocco are the main favourites for the AFCON glory, with odds slashed at 5/1.
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