AFCON 2021 predictions: The Gambia make their debut, and a tight clash in Tunisia v Mali

The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations’ opening round is almost over, with the final matches in the opening round of fixtures from Groups E and F. 

The scores are still low, as most teams look to ‘gel’ and are still finding their form, but here are our predictions for Day 4 of AFCON 2021 - for the curious fans and for those interested in finding a direction for their betting fix.

Important note: These predictions are only suggestions, and BabaGol is not responsible for the consequences. The use of these suggestions is the responsibility of the reader and user themselves.

Remember: Don't bet more than you can afford to lose. Know and accept the odds, keep sight of your chances of winning, and accept that your spending limits may be less than others.

today's matches in #AFCON2021 - Groups E & F#TotalEnergiesAFCON pic.twitter.com/ZyKCbA5AfF

— BabaGol (@BabaGol_) January 12, 2022

Tunisia v Mali, 14:00 CET, Limbe Stadium, Limbe

Last AFCON, Tunisia, under the guidance of Alain Giresse, put on one of the worst footballing displays on the continent, despite ultimately finishing in fourth place. In the recent Arab Cup, the Carthage Eagles experienced a kind of resurrection and turned into an exciting and flamboyant team. That tournament ended with a second-place finish. Now, with Wahbi Khazri, Youssef Msakni and rising talent Hannibal Mejbri, the Tunisians are storming on the African continent. 

Mali are the classic “dark horse” of this AFCON, displaying some promising squads throughout the years. Djigui Diarra (Young Africans), Yves Bissouma (Brighton & Hove Albion) and Mousa Djenepo (Southampton) are a few of the notable names in Cameroon. And there’s no such thing as a Mali squad without at least one Adama Traore in it - this time, it’s Hatayspor’s Adama Traore Noss. 

BabaGol’s prediction: A tough one to call, but the Tunisians have more edge, and defensive organization, and will win by one goal. 

Bet365 odds: Tunisia 2.70 | Draw 2.8 7| Mali 3.00

Mauritania v The Gambia, 17:00 CET, Limbe Stadium, Limbe

Mauritania are starting their second-ever campaign in 2022, and it’s their second in a row too. Their squad has some interesting names, including a goalkeeper called Babacar Diop (for the Lupin lovers), 16-year-old Beyatt Lekweiry, and RS Berkane’s Adama Ba.

The Gambia are here for the first time, but have one of the most interesting squads in the tournament. Omar Colley (Sampdoria), Ebrima Darboe (AS Roma), Modou Barrow (Jeonbuk) and Assane Ceesay (FC Zürich) are the main men. The Gambians are keen on writing history for their small country, who are the 44th to ever take part in an AFCON.

BabaGol’s prediction: Two of the minnows of the tournament are here to learn, and will spend the game being careful not to make mistakes. A classic 0-0 or 1-1. 

Bet365 odds: Mauritania 2.87 | Draw 2.87 | Gambia 2.80

Equatorial Guinea v Ivory Coast, 20:00 CET, Japoma Stadium, Douala

This clash might look easy on paper, but looks can be deceiving. Equatorial Guinea return after a six-year absence, but their opponents are no longer the mighty Elephants they used to be during the days of Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré. Serge Aurier and Nicolas Pepe are still there, but the Ivory Coast will need to work hard to find their balance and form in Cameroon. 

BabaGol’s prediction: The Ivory Coast will struggle, but will score eventually for a narrow win.

Bet365 odds: Equatorial Guinea 15.00 | Draw 4.50 | Ivory Coast 1.30

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Photo via CAF Online official Twitter account.

Waking up on matchday like. 😍@FTF_OFFICIELLE | @AliMaaloul | #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/CyH3EEth1t

— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 🏆 (@CAF_Online) January 12, 2022