What Is the AFCON Format?
The AFCON 2024 will see 24 countries lock horns in Ivory Coast with a schedule from January 13 to February 11, 2024. All 54 countries affiliated with CAF (Confederation of African Football) participated in the qualifying round. The twelve lowest-ranked countries, according to FIFA ranking, first played a preliminary round in a home and away format. Six of them qualified to join the 42 other countries in the qualifier group stage.
The 48 countries were grouped into 12 groups (A-L), four countries per group. The top two teams per group secured a place in the main tournament following a home-and-away format qualifying method.
The main competition will start with a group stage of six groups (A-F), four teams per group. Each side will play the other teams in the group once, and the first and second in each group will automatically qualify for the round of 16. However, 4 of the countries that finish 3rd in each group, called the “Best Losers,” will also make it to the next round.
The 16 countries in the round of 16 will be seeded against each other, and only eight will make it to the quarterfinals. After the quarterfinals, four countries will get to the semifinals and 2 to the final. There will also be a match to determine the third-placed position between the two losing teams in the semifinals.
Where Can I Get AFCON Predictions?
It can be quite challenging to predict the 2024 AFCON because the best players in Africa will grace this competition. One way to go about this is to follow experienced tipsters who have a track record.
Our experts have also made some 2024 AFCON predictions, which you should check out before betting on the competition. We expect Egypt, Morocco, and Senegal to go all the way in the competition. You may also watch out for Nigeria, Cameroon, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Algeria.
AFCON Group Stage Fixtures
The 24 teams participating in the competition have been grouped into six groups, four countries in each group. As earlier mentioned, each country will play the other three countries in their group. This means each country will play three games, and the top two sides will qualify for the next round. However, the team that finishes 3rd may also secure a place as one of the four best losers. Below are the key matches for each group.
Group A
We expect Ivory Coast vs Nigeria on January 18 to be a tough one, considering the two sides are two of the best teams in Africa. The game can go either way, and will be a matter of which side wants it more.
Group B
Egypt vs Ghana on January 18 is the standout fixture in this group and will likely determine which side will finish top of the group. We expect Egypt to win this one, but Ghana will not go down without a fight.
Group C
Senegal vs Cameroon on January 19 is one of the AFCON fixtures to look out for. Senegal are the defending champions, while Cameroon have all the experience in AFCON competitions, with five titles to their name. This game can go either way, but Senegal are the favourites.
Group D
Burkina Faso have started to become a household name in AFCON competitions, and we expect them to give Algeria a tough time. Thus, one of the AFCON fixtures we are looking forward to is Algeria vs Burkina Faso on January 19. While Algeria have the upper edge, Burkina Faso will give them a good run.
Group E
The key match to watch out for here is the South Africa vs Tunisia game on January 24. Although Mali are also a big side, their recent fixtures results in AFCON tournaments have not been convincing. Bettors may also try betting on Tunisia vs Mali and Mali vs South Africa.
Group F
Group F is one of the toughest groups, housing 3 previous AFCON winners. The standout AFCON fixtures will be Morocco vs DR Congo, DR Congo vs Zambia, and Zambia vs Morocco. However, Morocco are favourites to top this group.
Where Can I Bet on The AFCON 2024?
Many top bookmakers in Nigeria provide AFCON odds. We gathered below some of the best betting sites in Nigeria where you can play your AFCON betting.
Frequently Asked Questions about AFCON Fixtures 2024
How many games are there in AFCON?
AFCON 2023/24 will host 52 matches with the group stage featuring 36 matches, 6 games per group. The round of 16 will see 8 games, quarterfinals 4 games, semifinals 2 games, third-placed position 1 game and final 1 game.
Did Nigeria win the AFCON before?
Yes, Nigeria have won the Africa Cup of Nations before. The Super Eagles have won it three times: 1980, 1994, and 2013.
How many times has Nigeria been in the AFCON?
Nigeria have graced 19 previous AFCON tournaments. AFCON 2023/24 will be the 20th time the Super Eagles will play in the competition.
Is Nigeria going for the AFCON?
Which country will host the AFCON 2024?
Ivory Coast will host the AFCON 2024. The competition was first slated for the summer of 2023 but was shifted to early 2024 due to the adverse summer conditions in the Ivory Coast.
How can I watch the AFCON fixtures?
You can watch the AFCON fixtures on some of the betting sites with live-streaming features in Nigeria. Register an account with a reputable betting site that offers live streaming to watch your favourite game.
Who are the favorites to win the AFCON this year?
A number of countries can win the AFCON 2024. We expect Egypt, Senegal, Morocco, Cameroon, Nigeria, Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Algeria to give it a go.
