AFCON 2021 Betting Tips: 11 January 2022

The defending Africa Cup of Nations champions, Algeria, kick off their campaign on Tuesday, with Nigeria also facing Egypt in the pick of the fixtures.

While the Desert Foxes are tipped for a relatively comfortable start, the other Tuesday fixtures look set to be mightily close to call.

Our suggested bets can be placed individually or together in a multi-bet with increased odds.

Algeria v Sierra Leone

Algeria is on a three-match winning streak and recently beat Ghana 3-0 in a friendly. Sierra Leone has, in recent months, drawn 0-0 to Lesotho and Ethiopia, while also losing 2-0 to Comoros.

The defending champions boast a star-studded squad that can withstand potential COVID absentees. Riyad Mahrez is the key player and Sierra Leone will likely struggle to keep him quiet.

Best Bet: Algeria -2Handicap

Nigeria v Egypt

Both the Super Eagles and the Pharaohs head into this match under less than ideal circumstances.

Nigeria is without Victor Osimhen, with the star striker testing positive for COVID-19 right after recovering from a long-term facial injury. Meanwhile, Egypt had to delay their flight to Cameroon amid reports of positive cases in their camp.

Nigeria has to come to terms with the sacking of head coach Gernot Rohr in December, which puts them at a disadvantage compared to Carlos Queiroz’s Egypt due to the lack of time that Augustine Eguavoen had to prepare for this tournament.

However, COVID-19 has ensured that Egypt and Nigeria both head into this game amid some degree of chaos, so a draw is a likely outcome between the two talented sides.

Best Bet: Draw

Sudan v Guinea-Bissau

Guinea-Bissau has some quality players in their squad with overseas experience, but up against a plucky Sudan side, they are likely to struggle.

Sudan’s squad is mostly locally-based but they are a strong unit, as they proved with a 2-0 win over South Africa to qualify for the tournament.

It is difficult to separate these sides in terms of quality and a draw is a likely result.

Best Bet: Draw

Leonard Solms

Leonard Solms is a sports journalist who features regularly on various local and international platforms including ESPN, New Frame, FARPost, Tagged Online and Careers Magazine, as well as this one. He enjoys the occasional bet and the most important tip he can give you is to bet within your means.