AFCON 2025 Round One Preview & Betting Picks
The Africa Cup of Nations is known for surprises, emotions, and unpredictability – the first round is usually about staying solid and keeping things simple, rather than taking risks. Teams don’t want to lose their opening game, which often makes early matches more controlled and predictable.
We picked five high-value betting picks for AFCON 2025 Round 1 – these are games where form, squad quality, and tournament experience create the best condictions for profit betting!
The focus, perseverance and determination is without question!! 🔥 🇿🇦 #BafanaPride@10bet_ZA @CastleLagerSA @HonorAfrica @Shield_ZA @SABC_Sport pic.twitter.com/CxtiNUnCIy
— Bafana Bafana (@BafanaBafana) December 20, 2025
South Africa vs Angola, 22nd December 2025 (18:00 CET)
Prediction: Over 1.5 Goals @1.50
South Africa come into this tournament full of confidence and momentum after finishing third at the last AFCON and going unbeaten in qualification. They scored plenty of goals and look well balanced going forward – they’ve also developed a habit of not losing, going unbeaten across their last 11 internationals!
Angola were also unbeaten in qualifying and are known for being organised, but their recent form has been mixed. Even so, they usually offer something in attack. They are less explosive but difficult to break down – they conceded just twice during qualification!
Group B opens with a clash between two sides that came through qualifying unbeaten – this feels like a game that should produce goals without necessarily turning chaotic, so two goals feel realistic.
Egypt vs Zimbabwe, 22nd December 2025 (21:00 CET)
Prediction: Omar Marmoush to Score @ 2.65
Egypt are Africa’s most successful AFCON team and start the tournament against one of the weakest teams in the competition. They went through qualification unbeaten and have a strong, experienced squad.
Zimbabwe struggled badly in the build-up to this tournament and are missing key players. They’ve also lost heavily to Egypt in past meetings. After returning from FIFA suspension, even qualifying was an achievement. Their preparation has been far from ideal, they’ve struggled to score first and concede discipline easily.
This should be an easy opening win for the Pharaohs, even if it’s not a high-scoring game.
Africa celebrates. Like no other.
The opening ceremony, unmatched. 🌍#TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 | #WeCelebrateDifferent pic.twitter.com/Pf6Gqkma9a
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 21, 2025
Tunisia vs Uganda, 23rd December 2025 (21:00 CET)
Prediction: Tunisia to Win @ 1.67
Tunisia enter this tournament with something to prove after a disappointing group-stage exit in 2023. Their recent form has been solid, and they rarely fail to get out of the group stage – losing just once in nice matches and producing a near-perfect World Cup qualifying campaign defensively!
Uganda have shown they can score goals and won’t be easy to beat, but Tunisia have won every previous meeting between the two teams. Backing Tunisia to avoid defeat keeps things simple and low risk.
Algeria vs Sudan, 24th December 2025 (16:00 CET)
Prediction: Algeria to Win @1.45
Algeria arrive with one of the strongest squads in the tournament, led by experienced players like Riyad Mahrez. They’ve been consistent in recent matches and look ready to start well. While recent tournaments haven’t always gone to plan, the talent is undeniable – their form heads into this competition steadily.
Sudan competed hard in qualification but lack the quality and depth of Algeria, especially in attack. They were extremely competitive during World Cup qualification and showed resilience – but their recent results suggest limitations in both creativity and finishing.
If Algeria play with control, they should have enough to take all three points!
Here comes Algeria! 🇩🇿
Looking ready for #TotalEnergiesAFCON2025 don’t they? 🤩 pic.twitter.com/g9DffdaQvx
— TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 (@CAF_Online) December 19, 2025
Cameroon vs Gabon, 24th December 2025 (21:00 CET)
Prediction: Over 1.5 Goals @1.45
Cameroon head into this match with some off-field issues, a squad missing some familiar names, which could affect their defence. However, they still have plenty of attacking power, depth, and a habit of finding goals even when things aren’t smooth!
Gabon have looked sharp in recent games and won’t be afraid to attack! They impressed during World Cup qualification and have several attacking players capable of exploiting Cameroon’s uncertain defense.
With both teams capable of scoring and making mistakes, two or more goals feels like a realistic outcome!
Final Word
The opening round of AFCON is usually about smart decisions rather than bold moves. Our picks focus on strong favourites, simple goal lines, and teams with a clear quality or experience. It’s a steady way to approach the start of the tournament — sometimes keeping things simple is the best strategy.
Stay tuned for our AFCON Predictions, and more Low-Risk tips!
