The 2021 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on January 9 in Cameroon, with the final almost a month later on February 6. With African players fulfilling key roles at many top European clubs, whose domestic seasons will continue during the tournament, some absences will be keenly felt.
Senegal got the nod in our pre-tournament Africa Cup of Nations preview, but Algeria have already beaten them 1-0 during the pool stage in Egypt. With both teams coming through dramatic semi-final victories, everything points towards this being another close encounter in our book.
Tunisia and Nigeria suffered heart-breaking semi-final defeats at the Africa Cup of Nations and Wednesday’s third-place play-off will be a test of their resolve. The Super Eagles have tried to play more enterprising football throughout the tournament, though, so the feeling is they will still be up for this.
Algeria had to go to penalties in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals and could be in for another long night when taking on Nigeria in the semis. Both of these teams have proved they are capable of showing plenty of resilience when under pressure and we’re expecting a tight tussle in Cairo.
Senegal got the nod in our pre-tournament Africa Cup of Nations preview and we’re sticking with them in the semi-finals against Tunisia. The Eagles of Carthage enjoyed an impressive quarter-final win over Madagascar, but the Lions of Teranga have looked far more solid overall during this tournament.
Senegal were our pre-tournament selection for Africa Cup of Nations glory and we see no reason to desert them against surprise quarter-finalists Benin. The Lions of Teranga have Liverpool star Sadio Mane in fine form and are the tournament’s highest-rated team, according to the FIFA rankings.
South Africa caused a major upset when knocking hosts Egypt out of the Africa Cup of Nations and can now push Nigeria all the way in the quarter-finals. Bafana Bafana are unbeaten in their last five encounters with the Super Eagles, notably taking four points off them in qualifying for this tournament.
Madagascar and Tunisia both qualified for the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals via penalty shoot-outs and another long night could be on the cards when they meet. The Eagles of Carthage have the pedigree to be regarded as clear favourites, but they are yet to win a match during this tournament.
Algeria lost to Ivory Coast in the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals but are playing well enough to gain revenge at the same stage this year. The Desert Foxes have arguably been the most impressive team in Egypt so far, rattling off four straight wins, with nine goals scored and none conceded.
Ghana were more impressive than Tunisia during the Africa Cup of Nations pool stage and are tipped to shade a tight tussle in the first knockout round. Kwesi Appiah’s side go about their business in a cool, calm and collected manner, which may prove enough to edge out a more volatile outfit.
Mali and Ivory Coast both did well in the Africa Cup of Nations group stage and are also hard to split on head-to-head encounters in recent years. Two of the last three meetings between the Eagles and Les Elephants have ended in stalemate, with the most recent being an October 2017 World Cup qualifier.
Algeria were amongst the most impressive teams during the Africa Cup of Nations pool stage and are hard to oppose when taking on Guinea in the last 16. Manchester City star Riyad Mahrez is the headline name in a formidable forward line, while a less-heralded defence has looked solid so far.
DR Congo came good in their final group game at the Africa Cup of Nations and are fancied to kick on by beating surprise package Madagascar. The Leopards, who finished third in 2015 and reached the quarter-finals two years ago, still have a talented team, with plenty of attacking options.
Egypt look worthy 3/1 favourites to claim an eighth Africa Cup of Nations title and are tipped to brush aside South Africa at the last-16 stage. The hosts were rock-solid in securing three straight pool wins, whereas Bafana Bafana have already been beaten by both Ivory Coast and Morocco at this tournament.