That’s it. The final day of the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations group stage is here.
After Nigeria completed its task at remaining the only team with a perfect record in the tournament, and Sudan and Guinea-Bissau lost, there are three fixtures guaranteed in the round of 16:
Burkina Faso v Gabon, Morocco v Malawi, and Senegal v Cape Verde.
The rest of the encounters will be determined today, in a busy day for African football moments. Hold tight.
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.
The #AFCON2021 group stage will end tonight with the following matches. At the end of the night, we'll have a complete round of 16 bracket#TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/YI436cPsVw
— BabaGol (@BabaGol_) January 20, 2022
Expected pairings for the round of 16, with the best 3rd place teams. (From CAF regulations)
Ivory Coast v Algeria, 17:00 CET, Stade Japoma, Douala
The biggest game of the day is right at the start. Algeria are here to fight for their lives in this tournament, as well as the respect and reputation of coach Djamel Belmadi. Algeria were shocked with a goalless draw against Sierra Leone, and an earth shattering loss to Equatorial Guinea. The Desert Warrior will need to rise up against the most talented squad in group E, the Elephants of the Ivory Coast, who themselves will be hoping to escape a stressful situation. We’re up for a serious fight here.
BabaGol’s prediction: Algeria, together with Senegal, are the biggest disappointments of this tournament. What hasn’t worked in the first two games, is unlikely to work in the hardest game in the group. It’s a tough one, but the champions won’t win and will leave the tournament early.
Bet365 odds: Ivory Coast 3.30 | Draw 3.30 | Algeria 2.30
Algeria stats @salimosaid shared with me yesterday:
— Maher Mezahi (@MezahiMaher) January 20, 2022
- Algeria are leading all teams at AFCON in possession (63%)
- Algeria are leading all team at AFCON with most touches in opposing penalty area per 90 min
- Algeria allowed the 5th least shots, only 🇬🇦,🇲🇦,🇲🇱 and 🇳🇬 allowed less
Sierra Leone v Equatorial Guinea, 17:00 CET, Limbe Stadium, Limbe
A matchup of two of the more surprising teams of the tournament. Mohammed Kamara is already a hero in Sierra Leone, after saving eight attempts from Algeria, and a Frank Kessié penalty against the IvoryCoast. For them, and for Equatorial Guinea, a win will mean a spot in the knockouts. It’s all to play for.
BabaGol’s prediction: Although everyone fell in love with the Leone Stars, Equatorial Guinea are far more experienced. Equatorial Guinea to win.
Bet365 odds: Sierra Leone 3.80 | Draw 2.55 | Equatorial Guinea 2.50
This is what African football is about.
— Uri Levy (@Levyninho) January 11, 2022
Mohamed Kamara of #TeamSierraLeone, a GK in the country’s local league, receives his man of the match award in tears, after a heroic display against the reigning champions. A small emotional bite from #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/r6s21TqpUx
The Gambia v Tunisia, 20:00 CET, Limbe Stadium, Limbe
The Gambia are aiming for a historical spot in the knockouts, while Tunisia are already imaging their pathway through the later stages.
BabaGol’s prediction: That whistle from the referee, Sikwazi, and loss for Mali was everything that Tunisia needed. They are now cruising and it will be very hard to stop them. Despite facing the lovely and talented Gambians, Tunisia will win.
Bet365 odds: Gambia 4.50 | Draw 2.90 | Tunisia 2.05
Gambia have qualified for the Round of 16 and with team talks like this from coach Tom Saintfiet it comes as no surprise #SonOfLigiKuu pic.twitter.com/BOdtYu2FLL
— Salim Masoud Said (@salimosaid) January 20, 2022
Mali v Mauritania, 20:00 CET, Stade Japoma, Douala
Mauritania are officially the worst team in AFCON 2021 so far. They are the only team without a goal, a point, or even a threat on goal - or being caught offside. Mali, the eternal dark horses of AFCON’s past, will be hoping to come in strong with the knockout stages just around the corner.
BabaGol’s prediction: Mali to win.
Bet365 odds: Mali 1.30 | Draw 4.75 | Mauritania 13.00
#TeamAlgeria coach, Belmadi with #TeamMali coach Magassouba.
— Uri Levy (@Levyninho) January 19, 2022
AFCON is special tnx to many off-field moments. This tournament is full of true sportsmanship and brotherhood bits, of respecting the rival, while trying to win at all costs. Just like this one: pic.twitter.com/CljMb20EnI
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Photo via CAF Online official Twitter account.
