The Africa Cup of Nations got underway with an engaging opening fixture involving hosts Morocco and Comoros, serving up an intriguing curtain raiser that largely met expectations.
It was not the most straightforward of victories, yet the Atlas Lions handled the task with authority, ensuring there was no room for an unlikely upset as they secured a 2-0 success.
Day two of the tournament brings three appealing contests, and MrFixtips has selected what appear to be the most suitable angles for those encounters.
Mali vs Zambia: Monday, December 22 – 14:00
Dark horses Mali open their AFCON journey in Group A with a meeting against 2012 champions Zambia at the Mohammed V Stadium on Monday.
With challenging fixtures against hosts Morocco and Comoros still ahead, both teams will be keen to lay down an early marker and avoid unnecessary pressure.
Mali fell short of expectations at the previous edition, exiting at the quarter-final stage, while Zambia remain some distance from the side that lifted the trophy under Herve Renard in 2012.
The Eagles approach this fixture with stronger momentum, having won four of their last five matches across all competitions (D1, L1), while the Chipolopolo, by contrast, have suffered defeat in each of their last four outings.
Although current trends lean towards a Mali result, the historical record urges caution, as the Eagles have managed just one victory across the last six meetings, with three draws and two losses.
A combined selection appears sensible, particularly with goals expected to be limited. Only one of Mali’s last 15 matches has featured goals from both sides, while just two of Zambia’s previous seven contests have produced more than two goals.
Recommended bets
- Mali win or draw and under 2.5 goals – 4/5 at Betano
- Mali win – 18/25 at Betano
South Africa vs Angola: Monday, December 22 – 17:00
The second fixture of the day sees South Africa and Angola begin their Group B campaigns with a clash at Marrakech Stadium.
Bafana Bafana finished third at the previous tournament and will aim to improve on that showing as they chase a second continental crown, following their triumph when hosting the competition in 1996.
Angola, meanwhile, have never progressed beyond the quarter-final stage, with the most recent edition again ending at the last-eight hurdle.
South Africa arrive in encouraging shape, unbeaten across their last 11 outings (W5, D6), while conceding more than once in only a single outing.
Angola have also shown resilience, losing just once in their last six appearances, which adds uncertainty to the outcome, especially given the unbalanced nature of the head-to-head history.
The South Africans are without a win in recent meetings against the Palancas Negras, with four encounters ending level after regulation time. Another recurring theme has been goals at both ends, occurring in four of those clashes.
Disciplinary markets may offer value here, particularly with Angola collecting the highest number of yellow cards during AFCON qualification.
Recommended bets
- Both teams to score – Yes at 11/10 on Betano
- Over 3.5 cards – 4/5 on Betano
Egypt vs Zimbabwe: Monday, December 22 – 20:00
Africa’s most successful nation, Egypt, begin their Group B campaign with a meeting against Zimbabwe in Monday’s closing fixture at Stade Adrar.
The Pharaohs have lifted the trophy a record seven times, although their most recent success came 15 years ago, increasing the pressure to deliver, particularly on talisman Mohamed Salah as he seeks his first continental title.
Zimbabwe are targeting a first-ever progression beyond the group stage, though momentum is limited after four defeats in their last seven matches, despite claiming victory in their most recent appearance.
Egypt themselves have not been particularly convincing of late, managing only one win inside 90 minutes across their last six games, although that success did come against Nigeria last time out.
Despite those concerns, history favours the Pharaohs, who have won each of the last five meetings against the Warriors.
The card market again presents interest, with Egypt receiving at least two bookings in four of their last five competitive fixtures, while Zimbabwe have seen three or more cautions issued in three of their previous four matches.
Recommended bet
- Egypt win – 8/25 at Bet365
- Over 3.5 cards – 87/100 at Betano
Adeyeye Oluwapelumi is a sports writer with more than four years’ experience covering football and other global sports. A lifelong Arsenal supporter since 2004, he writes with genuine passion and a sharp eye for the stories that shape the game.
GambleAware
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