As the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) kicks off, local football enthusiasts have a new way to engage with the tournament. Gaming company betPawa has rolled out a feature, '1UP on Double Chance', exclusively for the competition, designed to alter the traditional betting cycle.

The feature fundamentally changes the waiting game for bettors. By opting for a 'Double Chance' bet, a punter's wager is immediately settled as a win the instant their chosen team scores the opening goal. This innovation removes the nail-biting tension of late equalisers or comebacks, a common feature of high-stakes tournament football.

A New Play in a Crowded Field

This move comes as betting platforms across the continent intensify their campaigns to capture the attention of millions of fans during AFCON, which is being held over the Christmas and New Year period for the first time. The Kenyan betting market, despite recent regulatory pressures and increased taxation, remains a significant industry. With a large population of young, mobile-savvy gamblers, companies are constantly innovating to retain and attract users.

According to betPawa, the 1UP feature is a direct response to the psychology of football fans—specifically, the frustration of seeing a winning position reversed in the final minutes of a match. The company noted that this offering aims to provide clarity and reduce stress for its users during the high-pressure environment of AFCON.

• How it Works: Place a 'Double Chance' (Win or Draw) bet on an AFCON match.
• The Trigger: If your selected team is the first to score a goal, the bet is paid out instantly.
• The Catch: The feature only applies to eligible Double Chance Full Time bets, and other terms and conditions apply.

The introduction of such features highlights the growing competition among the approximately 118 licensed betting firms operating in Kenya. While football betting dominates the market, the success of this AFCON-specific tool could influence future product developments in the industry.

As the Harambee Stars continue their journey towards co-hosting the 2027 tournament, the engagement of Kenyan fans with the current AFCON provides a fertile ground for betting companies. betPawa's latest offering is a clear signal that innovation will be key to winning over punters in this dynamic market.