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Africa Cup of Nations: Cote d'Ivoire lead the way while Mali could be good value outsiders at 20/1
Adam Bate takes a look at the main contenders to claim to title on February 12th and he is predicting success for the star-studded Cote d'Ivoire squad
Jan 16, 2012 12:12:00 PM
By Adam Bate
The Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at the weekend with some notable absentees. Of the last five countries to have won the tournament, only Tunisia have qualified in 2012. Moreover, of the five countries to have lifted the trophy more than once, only Ghana will be there in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea. With Cameroon, Nigeria, South Africa, Togo and the winners of the last three tournaments, Egypt, all missing, it’s fair to say the qualification campaign was brutal.
Curiously, of course, an unpredictable qualification process could make for a more predictable finals and that should interest punters. Cote d’Ivoire can be backed at 6/4 (2.5) with 188Bet and are big favourites – not without justification.
The Toure brothers line up alongside Cheick Tiote, Didier Drogba, Salomon Kalou and Gervinho, meaning the Ivorians have strength in depth and the side looks well-balanced. Handed a generous group, expect them to go deep in this tournament and they look a solid bet for victory.Their biggest rivals will most likely be Ghana. This side captured the imagination of the globe at the World Cup in 2010 and include stalwarts such as John Mensah and Asamoah Gyan in their squad once again. They can be backed at 4/1 (5.0) with 188Bet.
Sadly, those odds would be shorter but for the international retirement of Milan star Kevin-Prince Boateng in November and without him victory could prove beyond the Black Stars.If you’re looking for a long-shot winner then Mali could be worth a look. More than half of Alain Giresse’s squad play their football in France and with Barcelona’s Seydou Keita leading the way they have the ability to do well. If they can edge Group D ahead of Ghana then Mali should avoid Cote d’Ivoire until the final and at 20/1 (21.0) with 188Bet they are the value bet.
Back Ivory Coast to win the African Cup of Nations at 6/4 (2.5) with 188Bet
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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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