Minerals and labour-power of the third-world nations are exploited and transported across the planet in a myriad of ways. Football is no exemption, the top leagues of Europe depend on the creative minds of Africa. When it comes to returning the favour, nearly all of the elites are mum. The same clubs which grumble over releasing the players for the Africa Cup of Nations didn’t say a word when it came to Euro 2020.
Organisers of the Africa Cup of Nations are determined to carry out the schedule as promised. Originally, the tournament was pegged to happen in the summer of 2021. The pandemic caused the postponement of the fixture. Now, the tournament will unfold between 9 January and 6 February 2022. Players like Mohammed Salah, Sadio Mane, Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Riyad Mahrez will make their way to the home continent. The Africa Cup of Nations will be held in Cameroon this year. Football is followed religiously in Africa and media will perhaps do right by them if they support it.
For fans who don’t worry much about statistics, the Africa Cup of Nations is ultimate entertainment. Conducted every two years, skipping to odd-numbered years from 2013, the tournament has crowned different champions. A free-kick from Riyad Mahrez in the later moments of the final against Senegal earned the Cup for Algeria in 2019. Egypt was the host nation then, but the seven-time champions failed to make it eight. Cameroon has won the trophy last back in 2017, they will try their luck at home this year. An exciting and unpredictable tournament, here is BettingPremier’s take on the five possible winners.
African Cup of Nations Outright Odds
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Matches This Week
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Predictions
AFCON is gaining momentum as the quarter-finals is around the corner. Cameroon, the host nation, will be facing Gambia tomorrow. Egypt and Senegal are the two big players at the moment. Nigeria were routed by the minnows of Tunisia in the last-16. BettingPremier’s take on the quarter-finals games follows hereafter.
Gambia vs Cameroon
Gambia and Cameroon lock horns at Japoma Stadium in the quarter-finals of the AFCON. Cameroon’s Vincent Aboubakar is on his way to claim the golden boot his own this year. He has scored six goals, striking in every game. To be frank, Cameroon won’t have a better chance than this to qualify for the semi-finals. On the other hand, Gambia have been the dark horse of the tournament till now. The debutants have won three and drawn in one so far in the tournament. Their side is built on a solid defence. Musa Barrow stands out with his two assists and two goals. The travellers have the enthusiasm and the power to march past the hosts.
Egypt vs Morocco
A captivating game is on the cards as Egypt hosts Morocco at the Stade d’Olembe. The aftermath of the stampede is still unfolding as the preparations for the quarter-finals is underway. Eight people are killed in the crush and a few more are injured. Coming to the field, Egypt are led by one man, Mohamed Salah. The Liverpool striker’s calmness in the penalty shootout of the last-16 encounter against Ivory Coast is a key reason for Egypt’s qualification. Achraf Hakimi has netted twice in this tournament. Morocco has stars like Youssef En Nesyri and Hakimi. Vahid Halilhodzic is steering the ship in the right direction. Surprisingly, Morocco are on-the-road favourites to win this fixture.
Senegal vs Equatorial Guinea
Minutes within scoring against Cape Verde in the last-16, Sadio Mane was substituted off. A wise decision, the substitution didn’t backfire and Senegal went on to finish the game in style 2-0. Though it was a head injury, Sadio Mane will be fit to star in the quarter-finals against Equatorial Guinea. Japoma Stadium will host the evening affair. Equatorial Guinea have beaten some heavyweights like Mali 0-1, Algeria 0-1 and Ivory Coast 0-1, in their way. Yet, beating Senegal will be far out of the reach of Equatorial Guinea. Senegal will qualify for the semi-finals.
