Africa » MTN Africa Cup of Nations (10-31 jan 2010)

[fezzik]

togo definitely pulled out

[mrasdica]

Originally Posted by Magenta

What a bloody shambles..The armed front for the Liberation of the Enclave of Cabinda (FLEC) have claimed responsibility for the attack (whoever the hell they are), and it looks as though the tournament will go ahead as planned although a few clubs in England are seeking assurances that the players security can be guaranteed..

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) have put some of the blame on Togo as apparently it was agreed that all countries would travel to the tournament by air and Togo chose to go by bus (cost cutting obviously)..I await news on whether Togo will be competing in the tourn, they may drop out but im hoping they wont..

Dont get this in the World Cup do you! Difficult to get any money on the game now..

it's sad this happened. shouldn't chosen such way.

[mucmer]

hi,
i can a little speak english, sorry.

i think angola-mali 2.5 under.
because, first match in international cup, gol sound comes less than other international matches
what do u think about first match?

[meatman]

CAN winner - Cameroon @ 6.50 (3pts ew)

Cameroon were actually an outright for me in the previous CAN and they served me well by reaching the final. Now 2 years on from that, I’m willing to back them again and think they have every chance. We all know that on paper Paul Le Guen’s men have a good squad, and the manager himself must be given some credit for turning around their World Cup campaign. I think in Carlos Kemeni they have one of the best goalkeepers in the competition, something which could prove pivotal. In the last CAN he was vital in getting them to the final and makes a big difference. Of course the big key with Cameroon is Samuel Eto’o, if he fires then they usually do well, if he doesn’t then it could be a struggle. The captain is so inspirational but usually thrives in these sort of big competitions. So overall I think they could beat anyone on their day, even Ivory Coast, although that would be a difficult test. Cameroon look to have an easy group and should realistically win it with ease. In the QFs I wouldn’t have too many concerns about them facing either Nigeria or Egypt, but the big problem could come in the semis against the Ivories. However, there is a long way to go until then and the way the draw works out it could suit the Indomitable Lion. Overall, I think they have the quality to win the event and are my main pick.


CAN winner - Mali @ 22/1 (1pt ew)
Group A winner - Mali @ 3.50 2/10

I must say I do like the look of Mali here and I think their price offers some decent value. Looking at their squad on paper there are some good individuals and if they could perform well as a team then we could see them go a long way IMO. These sort of climatic conditions should suit them too and they appear to have strong physicality which could be important. I firmly believe the winner of group A has a big chance of making it to at least the semi finals of the competition. My prediction is that Ivory Coast will win group B, leaving the runner up of this group a tough challenge, but the winner is capable of beating Ghana IMO. I don’t see why Mali cant first qualify, and then finish top of the group. For sure, Angola and Algeria have every chance too, but for a long run in the event I would rather have my money on the Malians. Odds of 22/1 seem quite big, for me they are possibly the best team in this group in these sort of climatic conditions. Also 3.50 to top the standings is worth a bit of a punt IMO.


Top goalscorer Samuel Eto'o @ 6.0 (3pts ew)

Sammy Eto’o has won this golden boot in both of the last couple of CAN’s and he’ll be my bet again this year. He served me very well in Ghana 2008 and I’m willing to have faith again. On the face of it, it looks as though he should have a few good chances to hit the back of the net. He’s the captain and the main man, likely to take all penalties and a lot of dangerous free kicks. That, in addition to his natural goalscoring touch makes him an ideal candidate. Cameroon’s group is as easy as it could’ve been IMO and he has the potential to fill his boots against some of the poorer nations such as Gabon. We all know the man likes to put on a bit of a show and his quest for goals is always relentless. He’s 2nd favourite in the top goalscoring market behind Drogba, but I’m actually very confident he will at least outscore him. For me, Drogba isn’t so bothered about scoring masses of goals, he sometimes goes quiet and just raises his game for key moments scoring vital goals. With Ivory Coast also now playing one less group game, it gives Eto’o an advantage, and you know that he will be on the pitch for pretty much all of the 90 mins. Drogba is the sort of guy who is sometimes wrapped in cotton wool and substituted if the match is in the bag for the Ivories. If Eto’o is to be beaten, then I expect the challenge to come elsewhere and not Drogba, I think the Cameroonian should be outright favourite in this market instead.


Top goalscorer - Frederic Kanoute @ 17/1 (1pt ew)

Well of course as you have seen, Mali are one of my outright picks and I’m hoping they can go a long way in this tournament. If that’s the case, then it would give Kanoute some good chances to score goals. But also I think group A looks pretty weak and Mali are fortunate not to be facing any ‘star’ teams until the KO phase. He will have better chances scoring goals against the likes of Angola and Malawi than teams such as Ivory Coast or Cameroon. We all know Kanoute is a strong goalscorer in many departments, and will probably take penalties and some free kicks. I have some decent belief in Mali for this tournament so I like taking Kanoute as a bet to run along side. I’m taking him each way at SJ, but they only payout the top two positions. Only some small stakes here, but overall I think it’s a bit

[meatman]

Mali +0.25 AH @ 1.87 (4/10)

Well I’m taking on the hosts here today in what should be a tight match. I cant see this being much of a classic and it’ll likely be a close affair. The hosts Angola will be well supported but also under plenty of pressure to perform, and this might be a disadvantage. Overall I think this group will be close right until the finish, even Malawi might prove to be awkward opponents in a group like this one. I have backed Mali outright and I think they could have a decent tournament, the squad has plenty of potential in it. Whether or not they can win today remains to be seen, but I don’t think they’ll lose, so taking them on a +0.25 AH could be decent value. Each of the last 3 CAN hosts have all won their opening group game, but I think maybe its time that run came to an end. From a footballing sense, I believe Mali to be better, so despite the home advantage, I think Angola could have a tough start to the competition. Key midfielder, Keita is a slight doubt with a thigh injury but the rest of the squad is in good condition.

[Magenta]

Agree with this bet meatman, could only get 1.77 mind..small stakes bearing in mind its the first game and going against the hosts..

[Youssef]

I am sorry I could not be of help earlier. You know, my 'insight' usually stems from better exposure to insider news, but Angola seems a bit lagging in their infrastructure that resulted in me having a limited ability to get news outside what the internet already has! Even our local TV channels seem to rely on the internet, and while each of them (channels) has a reporter with our delegation, all they seem to actually report is what has already been reported elsewhere!! LOSERS!

Anyway, as for today's game: Mali certainly will get my vote on level ball. I do acknowledge Angola can be a serious side on occasion, but the fact of the matter is they are irreliable and inconsistent at best.

Mali played us without their stars in Dubai a few days ago. They seemed to be the same old Mali I know though. With or without Kanoute, Mali always struggle to produce goals. Now with that said, they did manage to beat Angola in particular by a staggering 4-0 scoreline just 11 months ago (friendly).

I'd make it a 45% chance Mali should win, 30% a draw, and 25% that Angola should win

Obviously at these odds Mali to win is the value bet, but I woul rather put my money on the DNB market and settle for less profit to secure my stake.

P.S. These two will probably be the duo tyo advance, but I will wait on this one until I see Angola play.

[kevshat]

Couple of outrights for me.

1.5pts ew Nigeria to win African Nations Cup 8/1 Sportingbet (1/2 1,2)

I've just got a hunch that we're going to see Nigeria perform to their abilities in this tournament. They have an excellent squad of personnel to choose from but they never seem to produce it on the African big stage. However they sneaked into the world cup and that alone should give them the confidence to lord it up in this event. This is a chance to send out a message ahead of the world cup with a few solid performances and in a section of the draw which I think is pretty nice I can see the Super Eagles having a decent tournament. They have an excellent array of attacking talent and some solid defenders and I think 8/1 is a fair price on Nigeria.

1pt ew Mali to win African Nations Cup 22/1 Totesport (1/2 1,2)

Mali look a really good side. Although they generally all like to play in the centre of midfield, any side with a midfield 3 of Seydou Keita, Diarra and Sissoko in it is going to be in with a chance. Then add in the goal power of Fredi Kanoute and this side are in with a good shout. Qualification from their group isn't a gimme but if they play well they could well win the group which would open up a fairly nice bit of the draw. Mali aren't always a reliable side which is why we get the odds we're getting but if it does click for them in this event then the price will look pretty big, pretty quickly. At the price I'm happy to take the risk that this talented Mali side fire in this tournament.

[bahnhof]

Interesting read: Both the Malawi and Algerian camps were hit by controversies ahead of their Group A Africa Cup of Nations opener at the Estádio 11 de Novembro in Luanda on Monday. Flames boss Kinnah Phiri dropped Fischer Kondowe for disciplanary reasons - sending out a strong message to the rest of the squad. A newspaper report claimed that the South African-based midfielder was omitted because he was allegedly dating Phiri's daughter, but the coach and player reportedly said the issue was over a curfew. Despite off-field issues, the southeast Africans have enjoyed a good pre-tournament programme on the pitch. A friendly win over Mozambique and a draws to continental superpowers Egypt and Ghana suggest that Malawi will be a difficult unit to beat in Angola.

[bahnhof]

cont: The Angolan nation is ready for the spectacle that is the Africa Cup of Nations but the national team are concerned about the fitness of their key forward Flavio ahead of the showpiece opener against Mali. Some 50,000 people are expected to cram into the newly-built Estádio 11 de Novembro stadium in Luanda on Sunday to watch the opening fixture of the 27th edition of the continental cup. But coach Manuel Jose could be without Flavio, who is an injury doubt due to a leg injury he picked up in a friendly match last week. The 30-year-old played under Jose at Al-Ahly and is expected to partner Manucho up front if fit. The Portuguese boss also has problems in midfield as Stelvio also faces a late fitness test. "It is my big concern that Flavio recovers and is available to play against Mali," Jose said. "He and Stelvio are important to our starting line-up. This is because we don't have any stars in our team and need everyone to be fit."

[bahnhof]

Mali missing Diarra and Sissoko, their squad looks lacking... fancy Angola but will wait for in-play.

[bahnhof]

Get in

[Silence208]

I've got Mali on but they've been piss poor, 2-0 Angola

[Youssef]

Sorry but I have to ask... are Mali even playing in this game? So far I only watched "ghosts in white shirts" who appear to be unwilling to sweat it. My fear is many squads will do this now... aim for an early exit to leave Angola ASAP! (Or maybe they're saving their best for last?????!)

[Silence208]

Originally Posted by Youssef

Sorry but I have to ask... are Mali even playing in this game? So far I only watched "ghosts in white shirts" who appear to be unwilling to sweat it. My fear is many squads will do this now... aim for an early exit to leave Angola ASAP! (Or maybe they're saving their best for last?????!)

Interesting theory. I would hope not obviously, but this contest has been tarnished clearly. They seem to have started the second half a little more brightly.

[meatman]

Apologies, this looks like being one of my worst bets for quite some time

[Silence208]

Originally Posted by meatman

Apologies, this looks like being one of my worst bets for quite some time

Not your fault mate, Mali have had a shocking attitude, nobody could have seen this coming

[Fader]

omg ends 4-4 :o :o :o

[Silence208]

Crazy end to the game

[Youssef]

So Mali players decided to come to the playground in the last 10 minues of the game?? How ridiculous!

Obviuosly they saved my stake, but did much damage to many because of that attitude!