The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has no doubt been a canister of thrillers and upsets with the competition producing the sparks and spice worthy of a top-tier football tournament.

The so-called minnows in African football have risen to the occasion, causing heartbreaks and shocks to the big boys who almost all among them are out of the continental football fiesta.

Angola, Nigeria, DR Congo, Guinea, Mali, Côte DIvoire, Cape Verde and South Africa are the teams left to juggle for the coveted AFCON title, and it promises to be a feisty scramble.

With just three matches separating these eight teams from the crown, here are four favourites amid them tip to go all the way to being crowned champions of the continent:

TEAMS LIKELY TO WIN AFCON 2023

1.Nigeria

After a sloppy group stage outing where the Super Eagles managed to amass seven points, the Jose Peseiro-led side seemed to have turned up the ante with a commanding performance against the Indomitable Lions of Cameroon coming out 2-0 winners to book a place in the quarter-finals.

Of all teams left in the competition, they are the highest-ranked team and the most experienced. The odds are in their favour to go all the way to claim their fourth ever AFCON crown.

2.Cape Verde

Unarguably, the revelation of the tournament. Topping a group involving Ghana and Egypt, scoring 7 goals in the process with dominating performances, the Blue Sharks have registered their intent early on as a serious contender for the AFCON crown.

Their fluid attacking style of play with an ability to turn half chances into goals is a nightmare for teams who must be at their best if they intend to tame the sharks from the coveted AFCON prize.

3.Mali

Strong at the back, compact in the midfield and effective upfront, the Eagles of Mali have been silently imperious in the ongoing AFCON.

Coming with a rich pack of experience which has been very reflective in their performance, this could prove to be their biggest strength in a competition that has proven to be very intensive and fickle.

4.Cote DIvoire

If the spirit at which hosts Cote DIvoire attacked their last game against champions, Senegal is anything to go by, then trouble looms for the other teams left in the competition.

With the renewed energy of their fans, and the upbeat motivation of the players, there is no going back for the Elephants who are determined to make perfect their proverbial run in their ongoing campaign with the AFCON crown. (Vanguard)