Clash between African heavyweights will deliver
Ivory Coast and Egypt meet in the last 16 of AFCON, and only one of the continent's heavyweights can progress to the quarter finals at the Douala Stadium in Cameroon on Wednesday afternoon. Read our preview here:
Three elephants
Les Éléphants have been impressive in the tournament to date, and booted out one of their fellow favourites Algeria in the final group game. Their form has been down to, in large part, the front three in attack. Wilfried Zaha is less central at national team level to his side's fortunes, but has been able to replicate his efficacy for Crystal Palace from the left of the triumvirate. Centrally, Sébastien Haller has brought to bear his goalscoring streak for Ajax, and will be a huge thorn in the opposition's stoic defence. On the right, Nicolas Pépé has been the standout performer for Patrice Beaumelle's men, grabbing two goals and and an assist to date.
Mostafa good game
Naturally, much of the focus has been squarely on Mo Salah's shoulders, with two of the three results to date falling 1-0 in the Pharaohs' favour, and the other being the reverse. With the formations set to match each other, the Liverpool superstar needs Galatasaray bit-part striker Mostafa Mohamed to do his part, as it's unlikely the backline will come out of 90 minutes with a clean sheet. Salah is set to be at least double-marked, and that should give space between the lines for his teammate to get off his characteristic long shots.
Betting tip
No matter who wins, they'll be favourites in the last eight against the winners from the Morocco-Malawi game, which takes place on Tuesday evening. Casumo have odds of 2.88 for over 2.5 goals in the encounter.
