The African Cup of Nations gets underway on Saturday with the opening matches in Group A being played out in Libreville. That means we have the host nation on show right from the beginning in what should be an exciting day to open up the competition.
Gabon vs Guinea Bissau
The opening match of the tournament sees hosts Gabon taking on the only debutants in the event in Guinea-Bissau in a match the home side are expected to win. A win here will put them in a good position but Guinea-Bissau will be out to show they are no pushovers.
This match gives the chance for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to impress in the tournament for the first time and he will be expected to find the back of the net. It also offers the chance for some of the Guinea-Bissau players to make a name for themselves.
I expect Gabon to be the side in the ascendancy in this one. I would be surprised if Guinea-Bissau are too expansive at least in the early stages of this one. If they can get something from this match that will set them up nicely for the tournament but Gabon are an improving and underrated side. I think they can win this one and do so without conceding.
Burkina Faso vs Cameroon
The pick of the first day is the second match of the night as the four time champions Cameroon take on the 2013 runners up Burkina Faso in a match neither can afford to lose if they are to remain in a favourable position in the group.
Burkina Faso tend to start events slowly and they have players who have been out of their club sides who might need to get some minutes into their legs and that isn’t ideal position to be in. Cameroon have left a few stars at home but they have a squad which seems in unity which is quite rare for them.
Unlike the first game I think this one might be a more open game. If one side scores the other has to respond but I don’t see either side running away with this. I do have a feeling Cameroon will get Burkina Faso at the right time though and so I will take them to win by the odd goal.
Tips
Back Gabon to win to nil for a 3/10 stake at 2.05 with BetVictor
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Back Cameroon to win by 1 goal for a 3/10 stake at 3.70 with Coral
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