Just when you thought your Mondays were getting worse as the temperature increases and your office days are getting longer, we’ve got a bumper surprise for you.
No, Ruby Walsh hasn’t come out of retirement, so you can’t vent your in-house frustrations at a man who’s better at his job than you. No, dressing up your pet in public doesn’t make people like you.
The African Cup of Nations is up to four games a day. That’s better than most Christmas presents you’ve ever gotten, isn’t it?
Too right it is. Now let’s turn it profitable for some added enjoyment.
Morocco’s midfielder Mbark Boussoufa (L) is marked by Ivory Coast’s forward Wilfried Bony (R) during the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) Group D football match between Morocco and Ivory Coast at the Al Salam Stadium in the Egyptian capital Cairo on June 28, 2019. (Photo by JAVIER SORIANO / AFP) (Photo credit should read JAVIER SORIANO/AFP/Getty Images)
Namibia v Cote d’Ivoire – Namibia +2 (4/6)
The pricing here seems somewhat unfair. Granted that Namibia have looked like your Da’s five-a-side team after a weekend on the beer trying to shake off their sins under floodlights, but Cote d’Ivoire (I’m pretentious enough and correct enough to refer to them as this) haven’t shone.
As it stands, I believe the two best sides in this group are Morocco and South Africa. Morocco needed an 89th-minute own goal to get the better of Namibia, and also beat Cote d’Ivoire.
South Africa saw off Namibia by the odd goal, and with this game being a must-win for Ibrahim Kamara’s charges, the pressure is piling up.
Given that Namibia have yet to concede a first-half goal in this tournament, should their opposition score in the second half, they’ll likely sit back and take on the onslaught.
This one sets up for a draw or a one-goal margin once again.
Morocco’s coach Herve Renard attends a press conference at the Al-Salam stadium in Cairo on June 27, 2019, on the eve of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) football match between Morocco and Ivory Coast. (Photo by Ahmed HASAN / AFP) (Photo credit should read AHMED HASAN/AFP/Getty Images)
South Africa v Morocco – Both Teams to Score: Yes (6/5)
But Andrew, both teams never score in this tournament, why are you suggesting it’ll happen here?
Because, Nigel, if you knew this nugget of information, I presume you’ve had a running accumulator of both teams not to score to this point, and you won’t be needing my expertise to win yourself money.
Considering you’re probably not on your newly-purchased yacht in the Maldives soaking up the sun, I’ll presume you haven’t landed the nineteen-timer yet.
So, let me explain.
Percy Tau is due a goal. He’s a lethal striker whose stock has been rising every time he’s played. He’s the shining light of South African football and let me tell you – this tournament won’t pass him by without his moment.
Morocco have goals all over the park, and they’re my bet to win the whole thing. I fancy this could be the game of the tournament.
Kenya v Senegal – Senegal -1 (13/10)
With Guinea and Zimbabwe facing very straightforward tests in the final group games, Kenya are probably in a position where they have to go for this.
God help them.
Senegal might struggle with a lot of things – Algeria in their previous game being one of them – but they will always use fate to their advantage.
And yes, I’m aware that a Kenya win could conceivably see them through, but let’s be realistic. This would end in a draw if it weren’t for the fact that it won’t do Kenya any favours.
Do you know what else doesn’t do Kenya any favours? Themselves.
A treble on these three bets pays out at over 15/2 on PaddyPower.com
- Namibia +2 @ 4/6
- South Africa v Morocco – BTTS @ 6/5
- Senegal -1 @ 13/10