AFCON 2021 Final: Senegal v Egypt Betting Preview

Both Senegal and Egypt have grown into this year’s Africa Cup of Nations, improving game by game, but when they square off in the final at the Paul Biya Stadium on Sunday night, one team will be in notably better shape than the other.

Egypt v Senegal

Senegal have had a relatively smooth run to the final since qualifying for the knockout rounds, while Egypt head into the game battered and bruised after gruelling contests with Ivory Coast, Morocco and Cameroon — all of which went beyond 90 minutes.

Egypt’s second-choice goalkeeper, Mohamed Abou Gabal, was the hero in their penalty shootout win over Cameroon. However, even he has had to play through pain.

Both head coach Carlos Queiroz and assistant coach Roger de Sá are suspended from the touchline for the final. Neither coach has been shy to get involved on the touchline during disagreements, with CAF coming down hard on both.

On an ordinary day, Senegal would have already had a more balanced team on paper. The likes of Idrissa Gana Gueye, Sadio Mané, Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy have been instrumental in making them the best team in Africa in this generation.

Aliou Cissé has a team which oozes class all over the pitch, boosted by the availability of Ismaïla Sarr, who had to overcome an injury in order to be fit for the last few Africa Cup of Nations matches.

Under the circumstances, with Egypt exhausted from being constantly on the ropes throughout the tournament since their 1-0 opening game loss to Nigeria, Senegal are even more likely to win.

The Lions of Teranga were the best team on paper going into the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations, but were beaten by an Algeria side which had luck on their side and mastered the dark arts. With experience now in their favour, Senegal are unlikely to make the same mistake again.

This team is long overdue an Africa Cup of Nations title, and with the World Cup around the corner, now is the perfect moment for them to make a clear statement that they are Africa’s best hope.

Best Bet: Senegal to win

Value Bet: Under 1.5 (90 min)

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.