We are into the quarter-final stage of the African Cup of Nations and Friday’s double-header delivers two heavyweight knockout ties, with Senegal and Morocco both installed as clear favourites to progress.
Outright Betting Update – Click here to bet
Hosts Morocco continue to head the market at 3.00, with Senegal next best at 4.50 following their strong performances to date. Nigeria remain firmly in contention at 6.00, while Ivory Coast and Algeria are both priced at 9.00. Egypt sit just behind at 10.00, with Cameroon (21.00) and Mali (26.00) viewed as longer shots as we approach the semi-final stage.
Mali vs Senegal
Kick-off: 18:00
Mali have been difficult to beat throughout the tournament but have lacked attacking punch. They drew all three of their group-stage matches before edging Tunisia on penalties (have scored a 96th minute penalty to force extra time) in the Round of 16, and once again look set up to frustrate rather than dominate.
Senegal have looked every bit a title contender. They topped Group D on goal difference and followed that up with a comfortable 3–1 win over Sudan in the Round of 16 where they recovered quickly from conceding an early goal. Defensively they remain one of the strongest sides in the competition, while their physical presence and pace in attack give them a clear edge here.
Betting – Click here to bet
Mali 6.25
Draw 3.65
Senegal 1.63
Verdict
Senegal should control this contest and have the quality to break Mali down over 90 minutes but Mali have shown they are well capable of resisting.
Betting angles I like here include
- Half Time/Full Time Draw/Senegal at 4.50
- Match result and Both Teams to Score, Senegal and NO at 2.35
- Correct Score Mali 0 Senegal 1 at 5.75
BET: Match result and Both Teams to Score, Senegal and NO at 2.35
Cameroon vs Morocco
Kick-off: 21:00
Cameroon finished 2nd to the Ivory Coast in Group F and they arrive with confidence after eliminating South Africa in the Round of 16. They were under pressure early but took the lead against the run of play and doubled it early in the 2nd half before conceding a late goal and hanging on for the win. They now face the tournament favourites on home soil.
Morocco have gone about their business in a calm, controlled manner. They topped Group A, conceded just once in the group stage, and edged past Tanzania 1–0 with a 64th minute winner in the Round of 16. Their organisation and game management have been key strengths and they will have a passionate home crowd behind them.
Betting – Click here to bet
Cameroon 6.00
Draw 3.65
Morocco 1.63
Verdict
Morocco’s structure, depth and home advantage should see them safely through but it won’t be easy against a Cameroon side well capable of hitting them on the break.
A few betting angles I fancy here:
- Correct Score Morocco 2-1 at 11.00
- Match Result and Both Teams to Score, Morocco and YES at 5.00
- Cameroon Total Goals exactly 1 at 2.75
BET: Cameroon Total Goals exactly 1 at 2.75
Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change.
