Cameroon head into Sunday’s final round of Group A fixtures as odds-on favourites to top the table but there is still plenty to play for, with all four teams capable of qualifying for the knockout stages. Here’s how we think the pool will play out:
Cameroon to draw with Gabon @ 21/10
The Indomitable Lions only need a point to progress after coming from behind to edge out Guinea-Bissau on Wednesday and have shown enough to suggest they can hold out the hosts. Losing Juventus midfielder Mario Lemina due to injury is a big blow for the Panthers, who could be made to rue not taking full advantage of their opening game against Guinea-Bissau.
Both teams to score in Cameroon v Gabon @ Evens
Punters following this bet in Group A would have cleaned up so far, with all four matches producing a positive result. Gabon will have to go for it in this fixture and have a clinical marksman in Borussia Dortmund striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang while Cameroon will fancy their chances of hitting their opponents on the break.
Burkina Faso to beat Guinea-Bissau @ 4/5
The Stallions suffered a setback when losing proven striker Jonathan Pitroipa to injury in Wednesday’s draw with Gabon but have the strength in depth to advance by seeing off the group outsiders. Surprise qualifiers Guinea-Bissau have given it a real go at this tournament but their tactical naivety and lack of experience at this level may catch up with them here.
Burkina Faso to win and both teams to score @ 7/2
Guinea-Bissau coach Baciro Cande clearly decided his team wasn’t going to be overawed by the big occasion and he deserves great credit for getting the Wild Dogs to play in such a positive manner. We reckon the minnows will sadly miss out on a place in the knockout stages but not without the consolation of bagging one more goal.
More goals in second half of Burkina Faso game @ 23/20
Of the nine goals scored in Group A so far, five have been netted in the second period of matches. Obviously, that’s only a narrow advantage but with everything at stake in the final round of fixtures, we expect things to open up in the latter stages of this game, especially as there is every chance that goal difference will play a part in who progresses.
