AFCON 2024 in Full Swing: Excitement Takes Center Stage!

Hello and happy New Year to you, our football fanatics and betting aficionados! The year is kicking off with a bang as the much-anticipated CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) graces the tropical African shores of the Ivory Coast. The AFCON tournament is the ultimate battleground for Africa's football giants to test their might for ultimate continental glory, so let’s gear up to step into the heart of the action with Sportingbet and explore the thrilling world of this year's AFCON soccer betting.

African Football's Grandest Stage

Firstly, let’s express the sheer magnitude of what AFCON means to our continent as it is Africa's premier international football competition, the equivalent of UEFA’s European Championship (The Euro’s) but with a unique African flair. This tournament brings together the continent's footballing elite, showcasing talent from Egypt to South Africa, Nigeria to Cameroon and beyond.

Star-Studded Squads

One of the most captivating aspects of AFCON is the dazzling array of talent on display. African football boasts some of the world's finest players and they all come together for a shot at African glory. Think Egypt’s - Mo Salah, Senegal’s - Sadio Mané, South Africa’s - Percy Tau, Morocco’s - Youssef En-Nesyri and many more. So you can surely expect fireworks when these superstars take the field.

The Road to Glory

The tournament structure promises excitement from start to finish. First, teams will battle it out in the round-robin group stages, followed by knockouts, each game presenting a potential ‘spanner-in-the-works’ or epic moments of brilliance for bettors and players alike. As a football fanatic, you're in for a thrilling rollercoaster ride and the best part is, you can experience the action from the comfort of our SportingbetSA App on iOS or Android.

SA Conquers The Summit

Let’s take a walk down memory lane and reminisce on days past, all the way back to South Africa’s memorable 1996 AFCON (known then as the Africa Nations’ Cup) campaign, when Bafana Bafana reached the final stage of the tournament and went on to beat their Tunisian rivals 2-0 after an epic nail-biter and lifting the prestigious trophy for the first time on home soil. The squad at the time was nothing less than star-studded featuring the likes of Doc Khumalo, Mark Fish, Mark Williams, Lucas Radebe, Phil Masinga and Shaun Bartlett to name just a few.

With the teams locking horns for the majority of the match, the real battle was initiated after substitute Mark Williams headed home a goal in the 73rd minute edging Bafana one step closer to realizing their AFCON dreams. The deal was sealed just 2 minutes later after Williams scored his brace, setting his side up for their moment of glory! With the help of a rock-solid backline led by Fish and Radebe, the Tunisians had no response and the match concluded with Bafana Bafana securing their 1st AFCON title and crowned the ‘96 African Champs!

And who better to congratulate our victors but the late great Nelson Mandela and FW De Klerk, who both joined in lifting the prestigious cup!

Betting Bonanza

Now, we’ll take a look at what makes AFCON a football betting bonanza. Every exciting match comes with an array of betting options, awe-inspiring Price Boosts and Enhanced Multis to explore. Here are some of the top markets you can place your bets on:

Match Result/ Results 1X2: Predict the winner, a draw, or go for double chance bets, where bets are settled on combined possible outcomes during regular play only, e.g. home or draw, draw or away and home or away to increase your chances of winning.

Goal Scorers: Predict who you think will find the back of the net during the course of the match.

Total Goals: Place over/under bets on the total number of goals scored in a game. Will it be a high-scoring thriller or a tight defensive tussle?

Both Teams To Score: Place bets on whether you think both teams are likely to score in the match within 90 minutes.

1st Team To Score:  Place your bets on the team that you think are most likely to score the 1st goal in the match within 90 minutes.

Corners and Cards: Get specific with bets on the number of corners or cards shown in a match.

Build A Bet: Explore this unique feature as it allows you to select various markets available for a particular match and combines the bets multiplying your overall odds for your selections.

Player Specials: Choose from a variety of player focused betting options featuring markets like Goalscorers and Player to score/score 1st & Team to win the match.

Dark Horses and Top Contenders

In AFCON, there's always room for surprises. While giants like Egypt, Nigeria, and Senegal are among the favourites, watch out for potential dark horses featuring the likes of Morocco, Algeria and Tunisia. Remember, betting on the underdog could also lead to big paydays should your stars align.

The Fans' Role

AFCON is more than just a tournament; it's a celebration of the roots and heritage of African football culture. The beautiful game just would not be the same without its loyal fans, who all play a vital role, carrying their teams hopes and dreams and creating an electrifying atmosphere that can spur their teams on to greatness. As avid bettors, you can tap into this energy, following the crowds' sentiments and using that knowledge to your advantage. Staying informed is always key to a grand/successful betting journey!

Follow pre-tournament analysis, injury updates and team news. Social media, sports news websites and even fan forums can be goldmines of information. The more you know, the better your chances of more informed betting decisions.

While the current AFCON promises excitement, it's essential to bet responsibly. Set a budget, stick to it, and remember that betting should be fun, not stressful. If you ever feel that your betting habits are becoming problematic, seek help immediately.

So there you have it, a quick peek into the exhilarating world of AFCON, Africa’s most prestigious football tournament. This tournament provides not only a stage for Africa's football stars but also an opportunity for you, the enthusiast, to embark on a thrilling betting journey. With a wide range of markets, star-studded squads and potential surprises, AFCON is a goldmine for betting aficionados.

As the tournament unfolds, remember to stay informed, bet responsibly and savour every moment of the beautiful game. Whether you're backing your favourite team or exploring underdog bets, AFCON promises to be an unforgettable experience for football and betting fans alike. 

Get ready to witness history in the making with SportingbetSA and may your AFCON betting bring you all the excitement and thrills throughout this grand sporting event!