African Cup of Nations Preview 6th Feb

The African Cup of Nations reaches the semi-final stage Wednesday with our headline selection for the outrights Ghana the current 13/8 (BetVictor) favourites. The Black Stars opened with a 2-2 draw in the group stages but have since gone on to win three games in a row without conceding a goal. With pre-tournament favourites Ivory Coast out Ghana will be confident that they can lift this trophy for the first time since 1982. Nigeria are the 2/1 (You Win) second favourites and they too will be confident after knocking out the Ivory Coast in the previous round. If you are already on Ghana then there is no harm taking a little of the 2/1 on Nigeria to cover your bet. The other two sides in the semi-finals are Mali who are 11/2 (BetVictor) while Burkina Faso are 63/10 (pinnacle). Mali came through after beating hosts South Africa on penalties while Burkina Faso saw off Togo.

If you think Ghana and Nigeria look good for the final then they can be backed at 6/5 with BetVictor who offer a name the finalist market. Ghana and Mali are 11/4, Nigeria and Burkina Faso is 3/1 to be the final while a Mali, Burkina Faso final is the outsider at 6/1.

The topscorer market is currently headed by three players, Alain Traore of Burkina Faso, Wakaso Mubarak of Ghana and Nigerian Emmanuel Emenike. 32 Red should be applauded for offering outright markets on this making Emenike the 11/20 favourite over Mubarak who is 169/100 while Traore is 14/5. Victor Moses, Seydou Keita and Jonathan Pitropia all have two goals and are still in the competition and can be backed at bigger prices.

The first of the semi-finals is that one that pitches Nigeria against Mali and kicks-off at 3.00pm (GMT) on Wednesday. Bookmakers have Nigeria as the 17/14 (pinnacle) favourites to win the game in 90 minutes with the Mali victory 31/10 (BetVictor) and the draw 11/5 (Stan James/youwin). Those looking to simplify the bet can remove the draw and back a team to qualify where Nigeria are 4/7 (general) and Mali are 6/4 (BetVictor/paddy Power/betway).

The bet in this game could be in taking the half time score to be 0-0 which is available at 29/20 (BetVictor). This scoreline would have paid out in two of the four quarter-finals and in one of the others would only have missed out by two minutes. This has been a tournament highlighted by tight games and the semi-finals look to be no exception. The four Mali games have produced a total of just six goals while Nigeria have conceded just three times in their four games.

The second of the semi-finals is a game between Ghana and Burkina Faso. We have been high on Ghana for a while now and at odds of 21/20 (general) I am keen to back them to get the job done in 90 minutes. Burkina Faso have had a dream time getting to the last four however I expect the run to come to an end against the Black Stars who should have too much talent and experience. Those who disagree can get the draw at a best priced at 9/4 (You Win) and a Burkina Faso win is 18/5 (BWin).

The other recommended bet is on Wakaso Murabak to score anytime at 21/10 (paddy Power). Murabak has netted three in this tournament so far despite missing one game through suspension. He came off the bench to net both goals in the quarter-final and you would think this would earn him a spot in the starting lineup. Throw in the fact he is the penalty taker and this looks a cracking price.

BEST OF THE BETS

GOLD: Ghana to beat Burkina Faso, 21/20 (general)
SILVER: Wakaso Murabak to score v Burkina Faso, Anytime 9/4 (paddy Power)
BRONZE: Half time correct score 0-0 in game between Nigeria and Mali, 29/20 (BetVictor)

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06/02/2013     © Frixo 2026