Betting: AFCON 2021 Day 12 (Group E and F) predictions

All eyes will be on this fixture as both teams find themselves in a very dicey situation. The Elephants top Group E at the moment with four points but will need to win to ensure they will not have to qualify to the round of 16 as one of the four best losers.

It is more troubling for the Desert Foxes who are with just a point and have failed to find the back of the net at this AFCON tournament. That is an absolutely poor display from the defending champions who risk exiting the competition at this stage like they did in 2017 in Gabon.

Considering the urgency to get a result here, it is looking very likely either team will win this match rather than draw. 

Prediction: Either team to win

BetKing odds: (1.36)

The Leone Stars were considered one of the minnows of AFCON 2021 as they were returning to the competition after 26 years, and are also ranked globally in 108th place. They have however not shown any display of being minnows, rather putting in a brave performance in holding both Algeria and Ivory Coast to draws. 

The West African nation will have enough confidence in them to get their first win of the tournament which will see them through to the round of 16.

A 70th-minute strike by Esteban Obiang gave Equatorial Guinea a vital win against Algeria which puts them in the driving seat to qualify if they can get three points in Limbe. 

Just like the Ivory Coast vs Algeria tie, a draw would not be a favourable outcome here, especially for the Sierra Leoneans who will be looking to make it to the knockout phase for the first time ever. Punters can back either side to win to reap some sweet rewards. 

Prediction: Either team to win

BetKing odds: (1.44)

The Scorpions in 150th, were the lowest-ranked team coming into AFCON 2021, and it was their first time in the competition. They have turned their minnows tag to being just one point shy of a guaranteed top two finish in Group F. 

Indeed, the Gambians have been very disciplined and focused and will be very confident of getting a result against the Tunisians, thus going the entire group stage unbeaten.

The Eagles of Carthage might have responded from their disappointing loss by Mali with a 4-0 bashing of Mauritania. This match will however not come easy for them particularly as they have been hit with an outbreak of COVID-19.

Netting the first goal at the Limbe Stadium could be vital in determining the outcome of the match. For Gambia, they have avoided defeat in the last 14 games in which they scored first. With Tunisia's COVID-19 problems, Tom Saintfiet's men are poised to either win or draw this match. 

Prediction: Gambia win or draw

BetKing odds: (1.75)

The Eagles, like Gambia, have four points and need just a draw in Douala to progress to the round of 16. A win however gives them a higher chance of finishing as Group F winners.

For Mauritania, their path to qualification is all but over as they have no points so far. Even if they do win Mali, they must overturn their five goal deficit and better Tunisia's goal difference. That however might not be enough for a best loser spot. 

In 31 head-to-head meetings, Mali has the upper hand with 19 wins and four losses (D8). The prospect of finishing top of the group cannot be ignored and since the Mauritanians have very little to play for, the advantage to win is in Mohamed Magassouba men's favour. 

Prediction: Mali to win

BetKing odds: (1.38)