The Africa Cup of Nations is warming up nicely and three more matches will take place in the competition on Friday as we begin to move closer towards the knockout stages of the African showpiece event.
We saw two big matches taking place on Thursday and we have two more powerhouses colliding in the headline game on Friday on what should be another excellent day of football to enjoy in the Ivory Coast.
Cape Verde vs Mozambique (14.00)
We begin the day in Group B where we have seen the big two flounder a touch already and as a result of that Cape Verde have the chance to secure their spot in the knockout stage of the competition when they go up against Mozambique.
Cape Verde beating Ghana in their opening match means that a win here will send them into the knockout stages and they will assume the spot of group winner to go with it. Mozambique held Egypt and were minutes away from a famous win over the Pharoahs in their first game so they are in a good position if they can win this match. I would imagine Cape Verde will be too good for Mozambique but they are not used to being the favourites in this tournament too often so that puts me off enough in taking them against a spirited team who were more than a match for Egypt in the opening game.
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Senegal vs Cameroon (17.00)
We move into Group C for the second match on Friday which is the pick of the matches on the day as the defending champions Senegal continue their title defence when they go up against the next best team in their group in Cameroon.
Senegal were very comfortable in dispatching of Gambia and if there is some natural improvement to come now that they have had a run out then they are likely to be very tough to beat. I think it is fair to say that Cameroon largely laboured in their opening match and will probably have taken a draw in the end. In Guinea, they played the tougher opponent so we need to cut them a bit of slack on that but they are going to need to raise their game if they are going to live with Senegal. That could easily happen though as there are plenty of decent players in that Cameroon side but it all just looked a little unsettled in the first game. I’d be surprised if Senegal don’t win this but they are probably priced about right.
Guinea vs Gambia (20.00)
The last match of the day will see the two lower ranked teams in Group C battling it out when Guinea look to pick up their first win in the competition when they go up against a Gambia side who looked a little out of their depth in that first game.
Both teams failed to win first time out but Guinea did pick up a point. They were both reduced to 10 men in the first half too so recovery will be key as to who wins this match. Guinea got their point against Cameroon without their star forward Serhou Guirassy so that will give them some confidence, especially should the Stuttgart forward be available here. Gambia looked a little rash in their opening match, albeit they were up against a top team and they’ll need to improve if they are to have a chance here. Guinea looked in control against Cameroon until they were a man short and I think there might be more to come from them here so I’ll take them to close out the day with a win.
Tips
Back Guinea to beat Gambia for a 3/10 stake at 2.10 with 888sport
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