The Africa Cup of Nations last 16 continues today, with two matches between Guinea and The Gambia, and Cameroon hosts that will surprise Comoros.
After yesterday's games, which saw Burkina Faso progress after a massive battle with Gabon, and Tunisia sting the only perfect team in the group stages - Nigeria, we are up for another day in the land of the unknown.
As things stand, our predictions efforts so far generated 16 correct out of 40 (40%), in one of the most surprising and challenging tournaments to predict.
Important note: These predictions are only suggestions, and BabaGol is not responsible for the consequences. The use of these suggestions is the responsibility of the reader and user themselves.
Remember: Don't bet more than you can afford to lose. Know and accept the odds, keep sight of your chances of winning, and accept that your spending limits may be less than others.
Guinea v The Gambia, 17:00 CET, Kouekong Stadium, Baffousam
Guinea of Naby Keita were one the most stable and aggressive teams in the group stage. On the other hand, The Gambia are one of the surprising trailblazers of the competition. In their first-ever AFCON, they managed to win against Tunisia and Mauritania and draw with Mali. Their squad is exceptionally talented with Abile Jallow and Modoh Barrow and can pose a threat on any side in the tournament.
BabaGol's prediction: The group stage is over, and experience and perseverance play a more significant part in the knockout stage. Guinea's interim head of state, Colonel Mamady Doumbouya, reportedly told the players that if they don't win the cup, they will need to pay back the money was invested in sending them to Cameroon. This fact might play a part in building the pressure, but the experience is critical tonight. Guinea to go through.
Cameroon v Comoros, 20:00 CET, Stafe Olembé, Yaoundé
When the host nation plays in a knockout game, the tension is always high. Yet, Cameroon, the hosts and one of the best teams in the competition so far, will play debutants Comoros, who shockingly made it to the last 16. Comoros is arriving in a rare situation where 12 players were testing positive for Covid-19, including the two substitute goalkeepers. This is while Salim Ben Bouina, the starting goalie that was excellent in the group stage, is injured. Comoros will field an outfield player in goal, in front of the Cameroonian goal machine Vincent Aboubakar.
BabaGol's prediction: Comoros already provided a couple of unpredictable results in this AFCON, including reaching this actual stage, but they will bid farewell to the competition after this game. The fairy tale was good while it lasted, but Cameroon will win.
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