The Africa Cup of Nations has provided fantastic drama throughout its duration so far and this continued on Tuesday night with further upsets and huge results.
After Ivory Coast and Ghana made shock exits from the group stages on Monday night, Algeria followed suit on Tuesday as they finished bottom of the group thanks to a historic 1-0 victory for Mauritania. This has become Mauritania’s first victory in an AFCON tournament, with it phenomenally securing them a place in the knockout rounds as one of the four best third-placed sides.
Elsewhere, a late turnaround for Cameroon saw them come from 2-1 down in the 85th minute to eventually winning 3-2 with Christopher Wooh’s stoppage time winner. This result catapulted Cameroon above Guinea and into second place, securing their spot in the next rounds.
With so much drama happening in the past two days it’s hard to see it slowing down during Wednesday’s games, and we’ve picked out our top tips and booking codes for the coming action:
Mali to win, 1.66
Namibia vs Mali
Mali currently reside in top spot of Group E after taking four points from their first two games, while Namibia sit in third but just one point behind Mali coming into this game. Mali’s point total means they are guaranteed to qualify for the next round, as even if they finish third they still have enough points to qualify as one of the four best third-placed sides. However, Namibia will need at least a point to guarantee their place in the knockout rounds and they’ll be looking to go one better in an attempt to finish in the top two spots.
If Namibia do come out to get a positive result then this will certainly suit a Mali side who already hold the advantage thanks to their star-studded squad, and we expect this will help them to victory in this one.
South Africa and Tunisia to draw, 3.00
South Africa vs Tunisia
South Africa face up against winless Tunisia, in a game that could change the entire outcome of Group E. A win or draw for South Africa would guarantee them a place in the top two of the group, while a win for Tunisia would see them leapfrog above their opponents and potentially higher depending on the result of Namibia vs Mali.
Tunisia have been far from their best so far in this tournament though, being inferior in shots taken in both of their games thus far. On the other hand, South Africa have performed rather well in their opening two games recording 24 shots already.
While South Africa are certainly in better form coming into this one, Tunisia’s defensive solidity will play a key role in keeping them in the game while their attacking players look to make the difference. For this reason, we believe this one will end all square.
Morocco to win, 1.65
Zambia vs Morocco
Morocco surprisingly faltered in just their second game of the group stage as they drew against DR Congo after demolishing Tanzania 3-0 in their opener. The Atlas Lions will far from their best as they had just 54% of the ball and recorded one more shot than their opponents, but will this will leave them hungry to get a win and guarantee their place at the top of Group F against Zambia.
Zambia come into this one having drawn both of theirs with two very different performances in the matches. After surviving a battering from DR Congo in their opener, they dished out their own hammering against Tanzania but were unable to muster anything more than a single goal as they drew 1-1. With this, a point could be enough to see them qualify through either third place or higher depending on DR Congo’s result.
However, with Morocco likely to be out to rectify their poor performance in their previous game we are expecting them to put Zambia to the sword and win this one.
Yoane Wissa to score anytime, 2.75
Tanzania vs DR Congo
DR Congo find themselves in an identical position to Zambia heading into this game, and they’ll be hoping they can put distance between them with a victory against Tanzania and Zambia having to face Morocco. Tanzania on the other hand are all but out, with a victory against a much stronger opponent being the only chance they have of qualifying from the group.
While DR Congo haven’t scored many, just two so far, they’ve created plenty of opportunities with 35 shots taken in their opening two games. They’ll be hoping their attacking players can make more of these chances against Tanzania. With Yoane Wissa already netting once this tournament, while also coming into the game with two goals in his last four for club and country, we believe Wissa will get on the scoresheet once again tonight.
Best Booking Code: 63J6MZ9 (odds: 22.6)
Group E: 63J6QY5
Group F: 63J6WFW
