| Match | Recommended Bet | Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Ecuador vs Chile | Chile to Win | 5/6 |
| Honduras vs Curacao | Honduras to Win | 11/10 |
| DR Congo vs Uganda | DR Congo to Win | Evens |
| Algeria vs Kenya | Algeria to Win | 1/2 |
| Ivory Coast vs South Africa | Ivory Coast to Win | 23/20 |
| All Five Results as an Accumulator | 22.43/1 | |
- Ecuador vs Chile – Ecuador were thumped 0-4 by Uruguay in their Copa America opener, while Chile won by the same scoreline against Japan. So why are the Chileans as long as 5/6 to win here? Answers on a postcard. Crucially, Alexis Sanchez looked fit, motivated and ready to rock for the defending champions.
- Honduras vs Curacao – Anyone that follows the MLS will already know of the Honduran duo Romell Quioto and Alberth Elis; the latter in particular is an exceptional talent. They, paired with Girona striker Anthony Lozano, is a decent frontline and they should have too much firepower for a Curacao side that has lost to the mighty Antigua and Barbuda this year while needing penalties to see off Vietnam in the King’s Cup.
- DR Congo vs Uganda – The African Cup of Nations kicks off at the weekend, and the Democratic Republic of Congo look outstanding value at even money to start with a win. Their squad features players familiar to English football fans – Bolasie, Assombalonga, Maghoma, Masuaku and others, plus the goal threat of Cedric Bakambu. The Ugandans, meanwhile, are staffed by players from their domestic division plus luminaries as Yeovil Town, Churchill Brothers in India and Syrianska from Sweden.
- Algeria vs Kenya – North African sides have a good record when AFCON is hosted in that part of the world, and the Algerians should enjoy life on Egyptian soil. Mahrez, Brahimi, Feghouli, Ounas, Slimani….there are some good players here and they should be too strong for Kenya, for whom Victor Wanyama is the only player to ply his club trade in one of Europe’s top divisions.
- Ivory Coast vs South Africa – Readers of a certain vintage may recall the classy Bafana Bafana sides of the 1990s, but those days are long gone and now South Africa are a shadow of their former selves. The Ivory Coast, meanwhile, could field a front three of Zaha, Cornet and Pepe, with Franck Kessie in behind in midfield. That is a mouth-watering prospect for fans of relentless attacking football.