Back Cote d'Ivoire & Zambia to get through their respective semi-final games on Wednesday
While the favourites may have made it through to the semi-finals, top tipster Adam Bate can see Zambia causing an upset when they take on Ghana.
7 Feb 2012 12:51:00
By Adam Bate
Panoramic
During the build-up to the 2012 African Cup of Nations, the tournament was characterised as much by its high profile absences as the countries in attendance, leaving punters focusing on the remaining big names in terms of pre-tournament wagers.
It is perhaps a little ironic then that just as African football appears to be more unpredictable than ever, we could be heading for the final everybody predicted.
Ghana, Africa’s heroes of the last World Cup, need only to dispose of Zambia to reach the final, while only Mali stand in the way of pre-tournament favourites Cote d'Ivoire.
A final between Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana would be an intriguing proposition, but it might be a little too soon to be writing off the semi-final underdogs.
Mali were the 20/1 (21.0) shot outsider pick of this particular football writer at the start of the tournament so it is of little surprise to see that they have edged their way into the last four.
It has been a largely underwhelming effort from Alain Giresse’s side, however, with Mali having conceded as many as they have scored and even relied upon penalties to scrape past co-hosts Gabon in the quarter final. Ivory Coast should be able to get the win and can be backed at 1.45 with Sportingbet.
The more vulnerable of the favourites will surely be Ghana. For all the big names, it’s been a turgid progression from the Black Stars thus far.
An unimpressive 1-0 win against Botswana, who were subsequently hit for six by Guinea, kicked off their campaign. They then completed their group games with an uninspiring draw against Guinea before requiring extra-time and a goalkeeping error against Tunisia to win their quarter final.
In contrast, opponents Zambia have been impressive and are the tournament’s joint-top scorers alongside Ivory Coast. They can be backed to cause an upset against Ghana at 7/2 (4.5). The Zambia and Ivory Coast double is the Value Bet and pays 11/2 (6.5) with Sportingbet.
Back Ivory Coast and Zambia at 11/2 (6.50) with Sportingbet
Sign up with Sportingbet.com to claim up to £100 worth of Free Bets, great odds and unique football betting markets.
Adam Bate is a professional freelance journalist who specialises in football and betting. He is editor of GhostGoal which can be found here - you can also follow Adam on Twitter
It is perhaps a little ironic then that just as African football appears to be more unpredictable than ever, we could be heading for the final everybody predicted. Ghana, Africa’s heroes of the last World Cup, need only to dispose of Zambia to reach the final, while only Mali stand in the way of pre-tournament favourites Cote d'Ivoire.
A final between Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana would be an intriguing proposition, but it might be a little too soon to be writing off the semi-final underdogs.
Mali were the 20/1 (21.0) shot outsider pick of this particular football writer at the start of the tournament so it is of little surprise to see that they have edged their way into the last four.
It has been a largely underwhelming effort from Alain Giresse’s side, however, with Mali having conceded as many as they have scored and even relied upon penalties to scrape past co-hosts Gabon in the quarter final. Ivory Coast should be able to get the win and can be backed at 1.45 with Sportingbet.
The more vulnerable of the favourites will surely be Ghana. For all the big names, it’s been a turgid progression from the Black Stars thus far. An unimpressive 1-0 win against Botswana, who were subsequently hit for six by Guinea, kicked off their campaign. They then completed their group games with an uninspiring draw against Guinea before requiring extra-time and a goalkeeping error against Tunisia to win their quarter final.
In contrast, opponents Zambia have been impressive and are the tournament’s joint-top scorers alongside Ivory Coast. They can be backed to cause an upset against Ghana at 7/2 (4.5). The Zambia and Ivory Coast double is the Value Bet and pays 11/2 (6.5) with Sportingbet.
Back Ivory Coast and Zambia at 11/2 (6.50) with Sportingbet
Sign up with Sportingbet.com to claim up to £100 worth of Free Bets, great odds and unique football betting markets.
Adam Bate is a professional freelance journalist who specialises in football and betting. He is editor of GhostGoal which can be found here - you can also follow Adam on Twitter
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