Sudan and Guinea-Bissau open their campaigns with this clash before preparing to challenge giants of African football, Egypt and Nigeria. Both teams have little chance to progress considering the strength of their opposition, but cup competitions are meant for giant-killings.
Africa Cup of Nations – Group D
Tuesday 11 January
Roumde Adjia Stadium
21:00
To Win
Sudan 26/10 | Draw 33/20 | Guinea-Bissau 12/10
Sudan
Sudan were brilliant at the back end of qualification and stood up tall to claim victory when it mattered most, at home to South Africa in their final match thanks to Saif Thierry and Mohamed Abdelrahman goals at the Al-Hilal Stadium.
The “Falcons of Jediane” beat the whipping boys of the group Sao Tome e Principe twice, while clean sheets and maximum points in wins over Ghana and South Africa deserve much praise.
Although, recently struggling against quality opposition in defeats to Algeria (4-0) and Egypt (5-0) at the FIFA Arab Cup led to French coach Hubert Velud and the Sudanese FA parting ways.
This has now provided a priceless opportunity for veteran coach Burhan Tia to strategize a way to achieving success at national level after years of service to the likes of CAF Champions League clubs Al-Hilal and Al-Merrikh.
Mohamed Abdelrahman will spearhead Sudan’s attack; the striker has found the net in four of the six qualifying matches.
Guinea-Bissau
Guinea-Bissau came through qualifying from the same group with Senegal after winning three games, beating minnows Eswatini home and away, before defeating Congo (3-0) in convincing fashion at the Estadio Nacional 24 de Setembro during the final round of qualifying matches.
“Djurtus” have their best footballers playing for teams across various leagues across Europe which could prove to be the greatest challenge for coach Baciro Cande finding balance and cohesion in a group of players who’re considered pound-for-pound the featherweights of Group D which is headlined by Egypt and Nigeria.
These sides recently met twice in FIFA World Cup qualifiers with Guinea-Bissau running out 4-2 winners in Sudan and shared the spoils after a goalless draw in Marrakech.
Prediction: Draw (33/20)
My money is firmly on the draw, however, if you’re looking for a value bet take a punt in the Correct Score market and back a goalless draw at 52/10.
