The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations is kicking off today and, here at BabaGol, the excitement is driving from Cameroon to São Paulo, via Seoul and Jerusalem, through London and back.
In past tournaments, we provided you with previews, match reports and detailed guides, we are delighted to start a predictions pilot here for AFCON 2021.
The idea is to offer a quick, insightful sense of every game taking place in Cameroon, for the curious fans and those who are looking for a direction for their sports betting fix.
If it works well, and you, the readers, like it, then we will develop this model throughout the year, all the way to the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Important note: These predictions are only suggestions, and BabaGol is not responsible for the consequences, and the use of these suggestions are 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.
Ready? Keep it real, and let's go to AFCON 2021!
Are you ready? It's #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 kick-off day!#TeamCameroon v #teamburkinafaso (17:00 CET)#teamethiopia v #teamcapeverde (20:00 CET)#AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/EKnjgz9rmI
— BabaGol (@BabaGol_) January 9, 2022
Cameroon v Burkina Faso, 17:00 CET, Olembé Stadium, Yanoudé
As the host nation, Cameroon will enjoy support from the local crowd. And, although the Indomitable Lions haven’t excelled in recent years, they were given momentum from Samuel Eto'o's recent appointment to the Fecafoot presidency.
They enjoy a fairly balanced side too. There’s no real megastar, but with Andre Onana from Ajax in goal, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa in midfield, and the likes of Eric Choupo-Moting and Vincent Aboubakar upfront, they have a solid core to their team.
Burkina Faso is always a hard team to play, and a team that consistently score, mainly thanks to talents such as Bertrand Traoré and Gustavo Sangaré. But the Stallions received some bad news on Saturday, when five players and coach Kamou Malo tested positive for Covid-19, harming their preparations for the tournament's opener.
With home support, and the Burkinabe absences, a win for the locals is hardly a fantasy.
BabaGol's prediction: It will be a challenging fixture for the hosts, but Cameroon will narrowly win it. 1.
Bet365 odds: Cameroon 1.57 | Draw 3.75 | Burkina Faso 7.00
The home fans should give Cameroon a slight advantage in their opening match against Burkina Faso. (Photo: CAF Online)
Ethiopia v Cape Verde, 19:55 CET, Olembé Stadium, Yanoudé
Ethiopia returns to the AFCON after nine years, and do so as one of only three teams in the competition to endorse no players born abroad (along with Egypt and Malawi). The Walia Ibex have two legionnaires, Shemeles Bekele and Mujib Kassim, who ply their football trade in Egypt and Algeria, but their squad still lacks the depth and quality that players bring from the top professional leagues.
On the other hand, Cape Verde has an impressive squad, from in goal up to the strikers. Goalie Vozinha of APOEL Nicosia and full-back Diney Borges of FAR Rabat will take control at the back. At the same time, in attack, the intelligent Ryan Mendes (Al-Nasr Dubai), the talented Garry Rodrigues (Olympiakos) and the prolific Djaniny (Trabzonspor) will hunt the Ethiopian defenders for lost balls. Wubeto Abate's players will need to stay alert.
BabaGol's prediction: If Ethiopia can survive the first half without conceding, they can get something out of this clash. But if the first Cape Verdean goal comes towards the start, it could be a long opening day for one of the CAF’s founders. We believe Cape Verde will win by more than a goal. Asian handicap -1.
Bet365 odds: Ethiopia 4.90 | Draw 3.20 | Cape Verde 1.90
Ethiopia is excited for their first Africa Cup of Nations in years. Can they get a point or more from their first game against Cape Verde? (Photo: Kidus Yoftahe/BabaGol)
Football runs in our blood. For us, it’s not just a game. ⚽️ #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 | #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/tPkmUjSO5r
— #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 🏆 (@CAF_Online) January 9, 2022
From libraries to stadiums, Morocco lives football. As AFCON 2025 nears its climax, passion, politics, and ambition collide nationwide.
CAF names AGL official logistics partner for AFCON 2025 & WAFCON 2026, boosting football's role in Africa’s growth and unity.
CAF unveils the official match schedule for TotalEnergies AFCON 2025 in Morocco, setting the stage for Africa’s biggest football event.
AFCON 2023: The Ivory Coast completes an unbelievable journey to win their third Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament as a whole, more than ever, was different, dramatic, exciting and global.
A 2023 Africa Cup of Nations guide to the tournament in the Ivory Coast. Every group, every team, the games to watch, the players to follow and the main stories.
It was a week for Morocco with Sofyan Amrabat’s debut for Manchester United and the nation’s winning bid for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Uri Levy recaps the last week in Middle Eastern football.
The earthquake in Morocco hit the country with a tragedy, but football gave a reason for the people to unite again—the unbelievable weekend of Morocco and the national team.
AFCON 2021 big final is here, and we predict the clash of the titans between Mohamed Salah and Sadio Mané, Egypt and Senegal.
After nine years at Liverpool, Salah left for Trabzonspor — the money, the family, and the love of being the underdog all played their part.
Ayoub Bouaddi chose Morocco over France at 18 and lit up a quarter-final about colonial history, dual identity, and what it means to belong.
Egypt beat Australia on penalties in Dallas to reach the last 16 for the first time, with Salah's Panenka the highlight of a historic night.
Diop headed Morocco level in the 91st minute and Saibari slotted the winner in the shootout as Morocco reached the World Cup quarter-finals.
Saibari scored inside two minutes as Morocco beat Scotland 1-0 in Boston, leaving the Scots on the very brink of 2026 World Cup elimination.
Senegal relived their legendary 2002 magic for an hour, but Kylian Mbappe struck twice to sink them and seal France's 3-1 win in New Jersey.
CAF shocks African football by stripping Senegal’s title and awarding Morocco the AFCON crown after a chaotic final decision.
From Nigeria’s Mavlon academy to Viktoria Plzeň and the Europa League dream: Salim Fago’s journey is just beginning in Europe.
A Hitchcock-style AFCON final in Rabat saw chaos, controversy and brilliance as Senegal stunned Morocco to claim their second African title.
From libraries to stadiums, Morocco lives football. As AFCON 2025 nears its climax, passion, politics, and ambition collide nationwide.
From rain-soaked Rabat to a deafening semifinal night, Morocco edge Nigeria on penalties and stand 90 minutes from an AFCON title.
Nigeria fell to DR Congo on penalties and missed another World Cup, exposing deep structural issues holding back the once-mighty Super Eagles.
The 2024 Women's AFCON kicked off with Morocco and Zambia drawing 2-2 in Rabat. Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana headline a thrilling tournament.
From Rabah Madjer to Mohamed Salah, a look at the MENA players who’ve made history in the Champions League — and those ready to add their names.
CAF reveals six host venues for the 2024 Women’s AFCON in Morocco, marking a record number of stadiums for the competition.
Egypt’s Mohamed Salah claims both Premier League and Football Writers' top honors after stellar season with 46 goal contributions.
Italian-Ivorian full-back Yao Eloge reflects on his journey, a historic derby goal, and his emotional goodbye to Hapoel Jerusalem.
With 14 goals and 16 assists at the Oba Akran Cup, 17-year-old Ahmed Ajibola is emerging as one of West Africa’s brightest talents.
The CHAN 2024 lineup is complete as Algeria and South Africa join Group C, with the tournament set for August in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Mohamed Salah scores and breaks the Premier League overseas goals record as Liverpool clinch a historic twentieth title.
Sundowns edge Al Ahly on away goals, Pyramids stun Pirates 3-2 to set up a thrilling CAF Champions League final clash.
SuperSport to broadcast CAF African Schools Finals 2025 in Ghana live on DStv, apps and CAF TV, with top youth teams in action.
CAF names AGL official logistics partner for AFCON 2025 & WAFCON 2026, boosting football's role in Africa’s growth and unity.
CAF U-20 AFCON 2025 draw is out: Egypt hosts, Nigeria, Senegal, Ghana headline tight groups. Top 4 to qualify for FIFA U-20 WC.
Zamalek out, Stellenbosch through! Four clubs set for thrilling CAF Confederation Cup semi-finals starting April 20.
Al Ahly, Pyramids, Sundowns, and Pirates set up all Egypt vs South Africa CAF Champions League semi-finals in April 2025.
Mohamed Salah has extended his Liverpool contract for two more seasons, aiming for more trophies after another prolific season with the Reds.
Liverpool's Egyptian star forward Mohamed Salah is close to signing a two-year contract extension that will keep him at Anfield through 2027.
Home teams dominate CAF quarterfinal first legs—except MC Alger. Pyramids shine with 4-1 win, three others edge narrow 1-0 victories.
Eight teams remain as Africa’s top clubs gear up for blockbuster CAF Champions League quarter-finals starting 1 April.
CAF shocks African football by stripping Senegal’s title and awarding Morocco the AFCON crown after a chaotic final decision.