Senegal and Morocco will contest the final of the AFCON in Rabat on Sunday and we take a look at a number of options available to punters.
Note, odds are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change
Senegal
Senegal came through their semi final clash with Egypt with a 1-0 victory. Sadio Mane’s strike on 78 minutes saw them into the final after a predictably tight game of few clear cut chances. On the down side, captain Kalidou Koulibaly and Habib Diarra picked up second cautions of the knockout rounds and will be suspended for the final.
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.
Morocco
The host nation came up against a free scoring Nigerian side in their semi final match up which went all the way to spot kicks.. Despite the attacking talent on view this was also the tightest of games and regulation time and an extra 30 minutes failed to provide a goal although Morocco did register more shots on target. Morocco were first to miss in the shoot out but keeper Yassine Bounou went on to save two Super Eagles efforts to send his side through.
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.
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 Betting
In the match result betting at the time of writing Senegal are 24/10 to win in regulation time with the draw at 19/10 and Morocco are 13/10 favourites.
It’s 1.35/1 for 3 goals or more in normal time and even money for both teams to find the net.
To lift the trophy under any method of victory Senegal are 5/4 and Morocco are 0.63/1
A correct score of 0-0 is a 5/1 chance
The Verdict
Like many I see this being tight and whilst I will shy away from naming a winner, no more than 1 goal in regulation time will do for me.
Bet: Total goals under 1.5 at 1.47/1 with Pokerbet
Note, odds are correct at the time of writing but are subject to change