Twenty-four of Africa’s finest kicked off one of the most colourful, spectacular and at times random four weeks of football. And we’re down to just two. Senegal takes on the hosts, Morocco, on Sunday, 18 January in Rabat. We trawl the markets to find the best value bets ahead of an intriguing final.
It’s tough to argue that the pair have been the two standout nations this year. Senegal makes this their third AFCON final in the last four editions, and for Morocco, they’re looking to scratch a 50-year itch, to win for the first time since 1976.
Senegal vs Morocco AFCON Final Bet Builder
This year’s final is a battle of two lions – the Lions of Teranga and the Atlas Lions – but while they may be similar in terms of their mantras, their styles clash, making the AFCON final wide open. We’ve got four tips to use as part of a wider bet builder on Sunday, paying £55 from a £10 stake with one of our top-rated online betting sites, BetMGM.
| Market | Bet | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| To Lift the Trophy | Morocco | 8/13 |
| Total Goals | Under 2.5 goals | 4/9 |
| Total Corners | Over 8.5 | 8/11 |
| Player Shots on Target | Brahim Diaz Over 0.5 | 4/9 |
| Total Odds | 9/2 |
*Odds correct at 9:45 GMT on 16/01/2025. Odds subject to change.
Bet 1: Morocco to Lift the Trophy
We backed Morocco in our pre-tournament picks, and we’re sticking with them to get it done and break that 50-year wait for an AFCON trophy.
Their route to the final has been a masterclass in control. AFCON may be famed for the organised chaos that ensues over the four weeks, but the hosts have been cool, calm and collected. They’ve conceded just one goal and kept five clean sheets in the process.
If we dig into the archives, the last three host nations to reach the AFCON final have all won it (Tunisia 2005, Egypt 2006, and Ivory Coast 2023).
They will, no doubt, have their work cut out on Sunday, as Senegal have been one of the strongest offensive teams, registering the most shots (97) and shots on target (47).
One thing we’re wary of is this becoming a real scrappy, tight affair. You could take a 90-minute win at AFCON betting odds of 5/4, but we’re giving ourselves a little more slack by taking on Morocco to lift the trophy (includes extra-time and penalties if needed) at 8/13.
Bet 2: Under 2.5 Goals
Historically, AFCON finals have been low-scoring, tight games. Nine of the last 12 since 2002 have ended either 1-0 or 0-0 after 90 minutes.
There’s a lot to suggest that trend will continue. Morocco needed extra-time and penalties after drawing 0-0 with Nigeria in their semi-final, and Senegal edged past Egypt 1-0 in theirs.
Between the pair, they’ve conceded just three goals all tournament (Morocco 1, Senegal 2) and we’re backing that trend to continue. Unfortunately, the bookies are also on board, and we’re only getting 4/9 for under 2.5 goals, but as part of the wider bet builder, it’s tolerable.
Bet 3: Total Corners – Over 8.5
The corner market for this game is quite interesting. Senegal’s games have been much more active, and they’ve covered the 8.5 corner market three times, with a tournament average of nine per game. In fact, with 36 of their own, they’re the highest corner winners in this AFCON.
For Morocco, the numbers are a little tighter. They’ve dominated games and haven’t really been tested offensively. Their games are averaging 6.0 and have covered 8.5 just once (vs Cameroon).
But, they win on average 5.2 per game, and this will be their biggest test. Between the pair, the average is 11.2, and getting 8/11 for the over on a fairly conservative 8.5 corner line looks good value.
Bet 4: Brahim Diaz 1+ Shot on Target
Five goals in six games has Brahim Diaz well on course to be the AFCON top scorer this year. The Real Madrid starlet has been ruthless in front of goal, converting five of his eight shots on target.
He’s the focal point for most of Morocco’s attacking play, and if they’re going to get the job done on Sunday, they will need Diaz to be on top form.
Odds of 4/9 are again, not great on their own, but as part of our AFCON final tips, it boosts our bet builder from 3/1 to 9/2, so it’s a significant increase.
