African Cup of Nations (Group A - 2nd round)

Algeria v Mali
Angola v Malawi


Thursday, January 14

Algeria v Mali

Verdict: After their miraculous 4 goal comeback against hosts Angola, Mali go into this game on a high against a hapless Algeria who lost to rank outsiders Malawi, 3-0.
Mali's star players, Kanoute and Keita, were instrumental in achieving the almost impossible against Angola and will look to impose themselves again today. Their defensive frailties though were there for all to see as Angola stormed to a 4 goal lead. Despite qualifying for the World Cup, Algeria looked anything but World Cup finalists against a Malawi side ranked 99th in the world. Substitute keeper, Chaouchi, was at fault for at least 2 of the goals and will be asked to deputise again today as first choice keeper, Ouserir, is still out with appendicitis.

Algeria must get a result here otherwise they will be the first nation to be eliminated from the tournament. If they are to hold their destiny in their own hands, then they must win this game and I believe they will go for it. Both sides have shown to be anything but secure defensively so I predict another high scoring encounter at the Cup of Nations.

Pick: Over 2.5 goals @2.14 (sbobet, 5 units)
Algeria 1 - 0 Mali

Angola v Malawi

Verdict: Following their huge dissapointment of letting a 4 goal lead slip to Mali, the host nation will need to be strong mentally to get over a dangerous Malawi.
Angola manager, Manuel Jose, attributed the defensive capitulation to an inferior physical conditioning to their Mali opponents, of whom most play in professional leagues in Europe. Malawi perhaps caused the upset of the tournament so far with a 3-0 demolition of World Cup qualifiers Algeria. Quick counter attacking football coupled with errors from the opposing keeper sealed a memorable win.

Despite the disappointment of letting a 4-0 lead slip, Angola did show good attacking qualities. Mali are one of the outsiders to win the tournament so gaining a point was at least some consolation. Malawi are a different team to Mali in that they are willing to concede possession then strike on the counter-attack. Angola showed how good they can be when they have the majority of possession so I feel Malawi is a good opponent for them. Together with the roaring home support, I expect Angola to bring Malawi crashing back down to earth here.

Angola -0.75AH @1.95 (188bet, 5 units)
Angola 2 - 0 Malawi