AFCON curtain raiser is finally here
The big kick-off for the Africa Cup of Nations gets underway on Sunday afternoon as hosts Cameroon welcome Burkina Faso in Group A. Ethiopia and Cape Verde make up the group meaning that these two will be confident of progressing into the knockout stages. Senegal and Algeria are the favourites for the tournament and were the finalists at the last edition of the tournament. Cameroon are strong favourites and have a rich history with the competition, the locals will be quietly confident of a deep run this year with plenty of talented players to harness their home advantage.
Ones to watch
Cameroon have one of the better goalkeepers in the competition in the form of Ajax’s Andre Onana. The composed glovesman will give the defence a lot of security and could go on to produce some match winning displays in the competition. Harold Moukoudi of St Etienne will be a mainstay in the backline and has an opportunity to show his quality on an international stage. The 24-year-old is an attractive ball player and could be an attractive proposition for clubs in higher places in Europe, though his position at such a big club in St Etienne represents the quality of the player.
Arguably the best player in the side, Andre-Frank Zambo Anguissa who looks to be headed to Napoli from Fulham in the near future is a cultured midfielder who probably slot into every other side in the tournament. Eric-Maxim Choupo-Moting and Karl-Toko Ekambi make up a very menacing attacking duo that Burkina Faso will have to be on their A game to deal with.
Edmond Tapsoba and Bertrand Traore are the most recognisable names in the Burkinabe side. Tapsoba is a very exciting centre back applying his trade with Bayer Leverkusen, and Traore has been around a while longer with Chelsea, Lyon and now Aston Villa. Qualification should be pretty straightforward for both teams in the group.
Goals?
Not my angle, there is a very unpredictable feel about the opening game of the tournament, and whether or not the pressure will get to Cameroon.
- Cameroon have scored in eight of ten.
- Cameroon have conceded in three of ten.
- Cameroon have seen both teams score in three of ten.
- Cameroon have seen over 2.5 goals in four of ten.
- Burkina Faso have scored in eight of ten.
- Burkina Faso have conceded in five of ten.
- Burkina Faso have seen both teams score in four of ten.
- Burkina Faso have seen over 2.5 goals in four of ten.
Post bet chat Marcus's Tips:
2-1 Cameroon, the hosts kick-off with a win.