Opta Unveils Bafana Bafana’s 2.1% Chance of Winning AFCON

As the anticipation builds for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2024, football enthusiasts are turning to advanced analytics to gain insights into the potential outcomes of the tournament.

The Opta supercomputer, known for its data-driven predictions, has weighed in on the probabilities, with defending champions Senegal emerging as the favorites to retain their title.

However Bafana Bafana, face seemingly slim odds, with the supercomputer rating their chances at just 2.1%.

The Opta supercomputer’s analysis suggests that this year’s AFCON is a closely contested battle, lacking a clear-cut favorite.

Senegal leads the pack with a 12.8% chance of defending their title, closely followed by hosts Ivory Coast at 12.1%.

Morocco, Africa’s highest-ranked team, boasts an 11.1% chance, emphasizing the competitive nature of the tournament.

Bafana Bafana’s group-stage draw with Mali, Namibia, and Tunisia will be an very important to the outcome of their AFCON journey.

The group is deemed one of the most evenly matched, with Tunisia, the third-highest-ranked African team and 28th in the world.

Leading the pack with an 84.6% chance of progressing to the knockout stages.

Mali follows closely with a 76% chance, while Bafana Bafana has a respectable 66.8% probability of making it to the next round.

It’s worth noting that the top two teams from each group automatically qualify, and the four best third-placed teams also advance to the Round of 16.

Opta’s other predictions

For Bafana Bafana, the journey doesn’t end with the group stage.

The supercomputer calculates their chances of reaching the quarterfinals at 31%, a significant hurdle, but one that is not impossible.

In 2019, South Africa demonstrated their capability by reaching the quarterfinals, and fans will be hoping for a repeat performance.

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