As the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) kicks off, football fans are keen to know who might emerge as champions.
Using Opta’s advanced computer prediction model, BBC Sport analysed the chances of different teams clinching the title.
The tournament, officially branded as the 2023 finals, is taking place in Ivory Coast from 13 January to 11 February.
Reigning champions Senegal are narrowly favoured to win again, with a 12.8% chance.
If successful, they would become the fourth team to win consecutive Afcons. Ivory Coast, the hosts, are close behind with a 12.1% chance. The last host nation to win was Egypt in 2006.
Sadly, the computer only gave Bafana Bafana a 2.1% chance of winning the tournament.
Morocco, with an 11.1% chance, is the third favourite. They aim for their second Afcon title, having last won in 1976.
Algeria, with a 9.7% probability, and Egypt, at 8.5%, round out the top five.
Egypt, a seven-time champion, hopes to claim their first title since 2010, with star player Mohamed Salah seeking his first Afcon win.
Nigeria, with an 8.1% chance, and Cameroon, at 7.4%, are also strong contenders.
Nigeria boasts Victor Osimhen, the 2023 African Footballer of the Year, who was the top scorer in the qualifiers. Cameroon’s captain Vincent Aboubakar aims to replicate his Golden Boot-winning performance from Afcon 2021.
Mali, with a 3.7% chance, is the most likely candidate for a first-time win. They have a strong squad playing in Europe’s top leagues and were runners-up in 1972.
With a close race among the top seven teams, Afcon 2023 promises to be an exciting and unpredictable tournament, concluding with the crowning of the champions on 11 February.
Compiled by staff writer
Pictured above: Senegal national team.
Image source: CAF
