AFCON Groups C and D conclude on Tuesday and we take a look at all four games including Tanzania v Tunisia, Uganda v Nigeria, Benin v Senegal and Botswana v DR Congo
A reminder there are 6 groups, each containing 4 teams. The top 2 in each group will go through to the knockout rounds along with the 4 best third place finishers.
Note, odds are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
Group C Standings
With the maximum 6 points Nigeria top this group and are already assured of a last 16 place. Tunisia have 3 points and Tanzania and Uganda both have 1.
Group C Tanzania 6.25/1 Draw 31/10 Tunisia 9/20
Simon Msuva gave Tanzania the lead over Uganda with a second half penalty but their wait for an AFCON Finals win continues after they were pegged back to 1-1 in the 80th minute and Uganda also missed a spot kick in the 90th minute. Tanzania went down 2-1 to Nigeria but they made the Super Eagles work hard for victory. They were 1-0 down at half time but on 50 minutes Tanzania levelled through a fine strike from Charles M'Mombwa. Nigeria went back in front just 2 minutes later and that’s the way it stayed
Tunisia staged a terrific comeback against Nigeria in their second outing, trailing 3-0 and seemingly beaten they found late goals from Montassar Talbi and Ali Abdi (penalty) and then came agonizingly close to a third but they finished on the losing side, 3-2. First half goals from Skhiri and Elias Achouri put Tunisia in control of their opening match against Uganda. Achouri added a third on 64 minutes to effectively seal the win and Uganda’s late strike was nothing more than a consolation as Tunisia ran out 3-1 winners.
The Verdict
Tunisia still have work to do to finish in the top 2 and not have to worry about whether they have already done enough for a best third finisher place. Tanzania are a spirited bunch but probably need to win this to stay in the tournament and I give them a punchers chance of contributing to the scoring but over 2.5 in total is my preference.
Bet: Total goals over 2.5 at 1.32/1 with Pokerbet
Group C Uganda 24/10 Draw 22/10 Nigeria 11/10
Uganda had to settle for a 1-1 draw against Tanzania to earn their first point in the group. They fell behind in the second half before an 80th minute equalizer from Uche Ikpeazu and had a chance to win it from the penalty spot on 90 minutes but Allan Okello blazed over. Uganda went down 3-1 to Tunisia in their opening game. They trailed 2-0 at half time and Tunisia added a third before Denis Omedi found a consolation in injury time.
Goals from Ajayi on 36 minutes and Lookman on 52 gave Nigeria a 2-1 win over Tanzania first up and they sealed a last 16 place with a 3-2 win over Tunisia last time out. Goals from Osimhen late in the first half and Ndidi and Lookman in the second had the Super Eagles in control but Tunisia staged a late fightback to make it 3-2 and they came close to an equalizer at the death.
The Verdict
An advanced look at the Nigeria team sheet would be a handy weapon to have as they may well bench a few key men even though they might still need a point to secure top spot and potentially secure a more favourable draw in the Ro16. I’ll go with the draw at half time as a tentative pick.
Bet: Half time result draw at 21/20 with Pokerbet
Group D Standings
Senegal and DR Congo both have 4 points and Senegal have the better goal difference. Benin have 3 points and Botswana have yet to open their account.
Group D Benin 8/1 Draw 4.25/1 Senegal 3/10
Benin lost their opening game 1-0 to DR Congo but they put themselves on the board with a 1-0 victory over Botswana thanks to a first half goal from Yohan Roche, their first ever win at an AFCON Finals.
Senegal remain unbeaten after a 1-1 draw with DR Congo in their second group match. After a goalless first half they fell behind in 61 minutes but Sadio Mane squared things up just 8 minutes later and there was no further scoring. Goals either side of half time from Nicolas Jackson and a third on 90 minutes from Cherif Ndiaye secured a more than comfortable 3-0 win for Senegal in their opening match.
The Verdict
I’m thinking Benin will try and keep this as tight as possible in the first half and this is another where slight preference is for the teams to go into the break all square.
Bet: Half time result draw at 1.52/1 with Pokerbet
Group D Botswana 12/1 Draw 4.75/1 DR Congo 1 / 4
Botswana’s 1-0 defeat to Benin leaves them needing a victory here and then hoping other results go there way to avoid an early exit. They came up against powerhouse nation Senegal in their opener and they went down 3-0.
Cedric Bakambu gave DRC the lead over Senegal in their second outing but they were soon pegged back and in the final 20 minutes or so both sides seemed happy enough with the draw. Theo Bongonda was the scorer early doors in DR Congo’s 1-0 win over Benin first up, 4 points will be ample to see them through but top spot in the group remains up for grabs if DRC can overhaul Senegal.
The Verdict
If DRC really want to go for it they could win easily but after two tough group games it could be a balancing act as to whether they go full gas. I’ll chance my arm with btts (no) in a low scorer.
Bet: Both teams to score and total goals, no and under 2.5 at 21/20 with Sportingbet
Note, odds are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change