The Africa Cup of Nations has lived up to expectations so far, with the opening fixtures producing plenty of drama for fans and punters alike.
Matchday two passed without major upsets, despite Egypt falling behind early to Zimbabwe before pulling off a comeback.
Day three brings four more intriguing encounters, and MRFixtips has identified the most promising angles for those games.
DR Congo vs Benin Republic: Tuesday, December 23 – 12:30
Group D kicks off with a clash between the Leopards of DR Congo and the Cheetahs of the Republic of Benin.
The Central Africans are aiming to improve on their fourth-place finish in the last tournament and enter this tie in high spirits after a strong run, which included four outright wins and a penalty shoot-out victory over Nigeria to secure a spot in the World Cup intercontinental playoffs.
Benin, by contrast, arrive in poor form, having suffered back-to-back defeats, one of which cost them a chance to qualify for the 2026 World Cup.
DR Congo have kept four clean sheets in their last five matches, while Benin have failed to score in their last two outings, pointing to a likely low-scoring affair.
Historical head-to-head meetings further support this, with DR Congo winning one and drawing the other.
Recommended bet:
- DR Congo win or draw and under 2.5 goals – 3/4 at Betano
Senegal vs Botswana: Tuesday, December 23 – 15:00
The second match of the day sees one of the tournament favourites, Senegal, take on minnows Botswana at Tangier Grand Stadium.
The Lions of Teranga – 2013 champions – fell short in the previous edition, while this is only Botswana’s second AFCON appearance.
The gulf in pedigree is clear, but even more telling is the contrast in form: Botswana have lost four of their last five games, whereas Senegal have won six of their last seven matches within 90 minutes, many by multiple goals.
The Lions of Teranga’s dominance was emphasised in a recent AFCON warm-up, where they scored eight against Kenya.
Recommended bet:
- Senegal to win by a margin of two or more – 18/25 at Betano
Nigeria vs Tanzania: Tuesday, December 23 – 17:30
The third fixture features Nigeria as they aim to put the disappointment of missing the World Cup behind them, opening Group C against Tanzania at Fez Stadium.
Runners-up in the previous AFCON, the Super Eagles are looking to start strongly and build momentum, while Tanzania, who have never progressed past the group stage, will hope to gain a valuable point to boost their chances.
However, recent history favours Nigeria, who have won three of the last five meetings between the sides and five of their last six AFCON group-stage games, suggesting a clear advantage for the Super Eagles.
Recommended bet:
- Nigeria win – 1/2 at William Hill
Tunisia vs Uganda: Tuesday, December 23 – 20:00
The final match of the day pits former AFCON winners Tunisia against Uganda at Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.
The Carthage Eagles are keen to make amends after their group-stage exit in the previous edition, while the Cranes were eliminated in the round of 16.
Tunisia arrive on the back of a 2-1 warm-up win over Botswana, marking consecutive victories and just one defeat in their last eight games, with that single setback being the only low-scoring result in that stretch.
Uganda, meanwhile, are coming off a 4-0 loss to hosts Morocco and recording two defeats in three games, with five of their last six matches seeing two or more goals.
Historical head-to-head records also favour Tunisia, who have won the last five encounters and will look to extend that run on Tuesday.
Recommended bet:
- Tunisia win or draw and over 1.5 goals – 3/4 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.
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