The AFCON semi finals both take place on Wednesday when Senegal take on Egypt and Nigeria clash with Morocco
Note, odds are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
Senegal v Egypt
Senegal’s quarter final match up with Mali was settled by a first half goal from Iliman Ndiaye. Mali’s red card jinx struck again when they were reduced to 10 men in first half injury time and although Senegal pressed for a second there was no further scoring.
In the Round of 16 Senegal recovered from conceding in the sixth minute to see off Sudan 3-1. Pape Gueye had them in front by half time and a third from Ibrahim Mbaye on 77 minutes sealed the deal.
Senegal topped Group D with 7 points, finishing above runners up DR Congo on goal difference. Benin were third with 3 points and also made the cut and Botswana failed to earn a point and have returned home. They began with a 3-0 win over then drew 1-1 with DR Congo and in their final group match they saw off Benin 3-0.
Egypt booked their semi final spot with a 3-2 win over defending champions Ivory Coast. Marmoush and then Rabia scored in the first 32 minutes to put Egypt in control, an own goal reduced the deficit by half time but Mo Salah made it 3-1 with his fourth goal of the tournament. The Ivorians pulled another goal back on 73 minutes nut in finished 3-2 to Egypt.
Egypt were firm favourites to see of Bebin in the Round of 16 but they needed extra time before running out 3-1 winners.
Egypt topped Group B, unbeaten with 7 points to finish 1 clear of South Africa and Angola (2 points) and Zimbabwe (1 point) were eliminated. Egypt began with a 2-1 win over Zimbabwe and in their second outing they edged out Bafana 1-0 despite playing the whole of the second half of that game with 10 men. That allowed them to make changes for their final group match, a 0-0 draw with Angola.
The Verdict
This looks likely to be close although Senegal’s defensive record is superior to that of Egypt and another strong showing from their backline will be key against Salah and Marmoush. I’ll go with Senegal to edge it by 1 goal exactly in regulation time.
Bet: Winning margin Senegal by 1 goal exactly at 3/1 with Betway
Nigeria v Morocco
Victor Osimhen and Akor Adams scored the goals early in the second half as Nigeria saw off Algeria 2-0 in the quarter finals. They had the better of the game overall with Adams also hitting the woodwork to extend their 100% record in the tournament.
Nigeria’s Round of 16 clash with Mozambique saw the Super Eagles who ran out 4-0 winners with Victor Osimhen grabbing two of their goals.
Nigeria topped Group C with 3 wins from 3 to finish 5 points clear of Tunisia. Tanzania (2 points) qualified as a best third place finisher and Uganda (1 point) have returned home. The Super Eagles reeled off wins over Tanzania (2-1), Tunisia (3-2) and finally Uganda (3-1) and Osimhen is their top scorer with 4 goals.
Morocco saw off Cameroon 2-0 in the quarter finals with Brahim Diaz scoring in the first half and Ismael Saibari in the second saw the hosts through in a game which they largely had the better of. Diaz has now scored 5 goals in the tournament.
Morocco had to be patient to see off Tanzania 1-0 in the Round of 16 with the decisive goal coming from Brahim Diaz on 64 minutes.
Morocco topped Group A, unbeaten with 7 points, Mali were second with 3 and Comoros and Zambia earned 2 points each and have exited the tournament. Morocco’s group matches delivered comfortable wins over Comoros (2-0) and Zambia (3-0) either side a 1-1 draw with Mali. The draw with Mali ended Morocco’s world record streak of 19 consecutive wins
The Verdict
The hosts have been solid and Diaz has been on fire but the Super Eagles forwards have been the best in the tournament for me.
It’ an intriguing match up and naming a winner is no easy task but my gut feel is the second half could deliver 2 or more goals regardless of who comes out on top.
Bet: 2nd half total goals, over 1.5 at 15/10 with Pokerbet
Note, odds are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change