The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco will tonight enter a new stage when 16 teams battle for the eight quarter-final spots. A supercomputer has predicted who will win AFCON 2025. Photo credit: EquipMaroc/GaindeYi. Source: Twitter The group stage lived up to its billing with big stars like Riyad Mahrez and Ademola Lookman putting on a show of what is to come in the latter stages. Unlike the past two AFCON editions, there were no major surprises as all the big boys qualified for the Round of 16 (maybe save for Gabon, who have since disbanded their national team). However, the players and coaches will know that the road to glory will get murkier as they advance deep into the competition, with Opta’s supercomputer predicting how it will possibly go. Full AFCON 2025 Round of 16 fixtures Saturday, January 3 Senegal vs Sudan Mali vs Tunisia Sunday, January 4 Morocco vs Tanzania South Africa vs Cameroon Monday, January 5 Egypt vs Benin Nigeria vs Mozambique Tuesday, January 6 Algeria vs DR Congo Ivory Coast vs Burkina Faso Opta supercomputer predicts who will win AFCON 2025 As it was at the start of the tournament, Opta has once again backed the hosts Morocco to win their second-ever title with a 22.82% chance. The Atlas Lions looked decent in the group stage, topping Group A with seven points. They face Tanzania, who scraped through as one of the best losers, and if they win, they will play either South Africa or Cameroon in the quarters. Algeria are in second-place with a 13.64% chance. The Desert Foxes are one of the two teams with a perfect record so far. After winning the 2019 edition, they were eliminated in the group stage of subsequent tournaments but have regained their mojo under Bosnian coach Vladimir Petković. Should they beat DR Congo, they will play either Nigeria or Mozambique in the quarters. Algeria’s head coach Vladmir Petkovic. Photo credit: LesVerts. Interestingly, only one of Morocco or Algeria can reach the final as they are on the same side of the bracket. Third and fourth on Opta’s list are Senegal and Egypt, with 13.62% and 13.26% chance, respectively. The two teams could also actually meet in the semi-finals if they win their Round of 16 and quarter-final matches. Betting predictions for AFCON 2025 Round of 16 According to Opta, Mali, Senegal, Egypt, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Cameroon, Nigeria and Algeria will qualify for the quarter-finals. Where to watch Senegal vs Sudan We have also done a preview of the first Round of 16 match between Senegal and Sudan, including where to watch the game. Senegal will be the favourites to win, but Sudan are keen on causing a major upset. Both counties have one title to their name.
By Martin Moses
