Can The Scorpions sting the hosts Cameroon?

Hosts Cameroon take on the lowest ranked side left at the African Cup of Nations, Gambia. The first of Saturday's quarter-finals sees the debutants at the tournament, Gambia, look to continue their run of upsets so far in the tournament.

Gambia looking to upset the apple cart once more

It's been a somewhat fairy tale run so far for Gambia. Their results in the tournament until this point are:

Group stage:

- Mauritania 0-1 Gambia (12.01.22)

- Gambia 1-1 Mali (16.01.22)

- Gambia 1-0 Tunisia (20.01.22)

Round of 16:

- Guinea 0-1 Gambia (24.01.22)

This AFCON tournament has set the record for the most red cards in any edition of the competition, and Gambia haven't been exempt from this. Their Round of 16 tie against Guinea on Monday saw both teams end the game down to 10 men.

After Musa Barrow's 71st minute goal, Yusupha Njie received his marching orders and a 93rd minute dismissal for Guinea's Ibrahima Conte meant both sides finished the game a man light.

Their main man is undoubtedly Bologna's Musa Barrow, who has been their standout star.

Him and Ablie Jallow are Gambia's only goalscorers at the tournament, both having two tournament goals each. If they are to get another upset on Saturday, these two will have to be at their very best.

All pressure on Cameroon

The hosts will be very pleased with how this tournament has panned out so far. Nigeria, Algeria and the Ivory Coast all being knocked out before the quarter-final stage will give them immense confidence.

So far in the competition, their results have read:

Group stage:

Cameroon 2-1 Burkina Faso (09.01.22)

Cameroon 2-1 Ethiopia (13.01.22)

Cape Verde 1-1 Cameroon (17.01.22)

Round of 16:

Cameroon 2-1 Comoros (24.01.22)

Cameroon were able to get past ten man Comoros. The true fairy tale side of this competition, they valiantly took on the favourites on Monday with one key omission.

5'7 left back, Chaker Alhadhur, had to feature in goal against the hosts. None of Comoros' goalkeepers were available due to injury and COVID infections. Despite this, an absolute thunderbolt of a strike from Youssouf M'Changama couldn't quite force the game to extra time.

Goals from Karl Toko Ekambi and Vincent Aboubakar saw off the minnows and these two could well be on song again come Saturday afternoon.

Some interesting trivia

- Cameroon have won their last three AFCON matches against tournament debutants

- Gambia could become the first debutants since 1996 to reach an AFCON semi-final

- Cameroon facing debutants in consecutive AFCON games for the first time since the 1972 group stages

The Verdict

Cameroon boast a wealth of talent within their team. Their frontline can be exciting at times, but Gambia's solid defensive performances could limit Cameroon. However, they should have enough quality and experience to advance to the next round.

That's why I'm going with Cameroon to win and Both Teams to Score: No, with bet365.

Bet Cameroon to win and Both Teams to Score: No on Bet365