The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations is entering its third day of games, and more big teams are set to put on their debut displays in Cameroon.
So far, excluding one tomato that was thrown in our direction, our quick and insightful look at the games taking place has produced four correct predictions from 6.
Here are our predictions for Day 3 of AFCON 2021, all 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 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.
Today's matches in the #AFCON2021 🤩 pic.twitter.com/ztVtHG7SSJ
— BabaGol (@BabaGol_) January 11, 2022
Algeria v Sierra Leone, 14:00 CET, Japoma Stadium, Douala
Algeria are the African Champions, the Arab Cup Champions, and on a run of 34 matches without losing - the longest current streak in the world, and only three behind Italy’s record, 37. They are among the clear favourites to go all the way here in Cameroon, and with Riyad Mahrez (Manchester City), Ismael Bennacer (AC Milan) and Islam Slimani (Olympique Lyonnais), coach Djamel Belmadi has one of Africa’s best teams at his disposal.
Sierra Leone, making their first appearance in the finals since 1996, are quite an unorganized national team, and will need to pray to survive the first day without a loss.
BabaGol’s prediction: Algeria. Nobody says it will be easy, or hard, but if Les Fennecs don’t grab those three points, it will be a shocker.
Bet365 odds: Algeria 1.09 | Draw 9.50 | Sierra Leone 23.00
مستعدون لمباراة الغد! 💪✊#TeamAlgeria #teamdz 🇩🇿 #LesFennecs #TotalEnergiesAFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/ejjMAdv9f2
— FAF-Fédération Algérienne de Football (@LesVerts) January 10, 2022
Nigeria v Egypt, 17:00 CET, Stade Omnisport Adjia, Garoua
This match is a true clash of African Titan’s. Nigeria, who have won the AFCON on three occasions, and reached the semifinals on 15 others, and Egypt, who themselves have won the tournament a record seven times. This year, the conditions aren’t optimal for either team. Nigeria are more chaotic than ever, with interim coach Augustine Eguavoen leading the team, and future gaffer, José Peseira, watching on as an ‘observer’. On the other side, Egypt, with the excellent Carlos Queiroz, under tremendous pressure to succeed with the Pharaohs - they haven't won the tournament since 2010.
While the Super Eagles can ‘concede’ a loss here and grab points in their other matches, Egypt and Queiroz must win to send a message that they are here to go all the way.
BabGol’s prediction: This match could head in any direction, but Egypt needs it more.
Bet365 odds: Nigeria 2.87 | Draw 2.90 | Egypt 2.80
🔴 🎥 🏟 | لاعبو المنتخب الوطني والجهاز الفني يتفقدون ملعب مباراة الغد 🇪🇬 .... ⬇️⬇️#EFA pic.twitter.com/XN3XIsQHEK
— EFA.eg (@EFA) January 10, 2022
Sudan v Guinea-Bissau, 20:00 CET, Stade Omnisport Adjia, Garoua
Sudan come to Cameroon in the midst of a social and political crisis, and following a horrendous display in the Arab Cup. Guinea-Bissau were one of the refreshing surprises of the 2017 edition, and enjoy a series of Portugal-based players in their ranks. Amer Abdulrahman is Sudan’s main hope for something here. If the Djurtus close him down well, this story will be over fairly quickly.
BabaGol’s prediction: Although Sudan has our hearts, Guinea-Bissau will win their first three points tomorrow.
Bet365 odds: Sudan 3.25 | Draw 3.00 | Guinea Bissau 2.40
Photo via CAF Online official Twitter account.
Playing for your country at the African Cup of Nations is a big responsibility and a great honour, you must be prepared to give everything, today is a must win game, let’s go out and make this nation proud. #TeamSudan #AFCON2021 pic.twitter.com/ZyiknqTaQo
— Abdul Musa - عبدالقادر موسى (@PepJunior1) January 11, 2022
