ACN 2013 - Group B

[McNasara]

[McNasara]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B Ghana

• Highest Fifa ranking in 2012: 22
• ACN appearances: 18 (last 2012)
• Best results: champions in 1963, 1965, 1978, 1982; second in 1968, 1970, 1992, 2010

• Nickname: Black Stars
• Qualified: 3:0 against Malawi

• Coach: Kwesi Appiah (April 2012), he served as the assistant coach of the team since 2008 and gained a great deal of experience to propel the team forward.

• Friendlies:

(Aug) 1:1 China (Sep) 0:2 Liberia (Nov) 1:0 Cape Verde (Jan) 3:0 Egypt (Jan) 4:2 Tunisia Squad Goalkeepers: Daniel Adjei (Liberty Professionals), Fatau Dauda (Ashanti Gold), Adam Kwarasey (Stromsgodset/NOR) Defenders: Harrison Afful (Esperance/TUN), Jerry Akaminko (Eskisehirspor/TUR), Mohammed Awal (Maritzburg Utd/RSA), John Boye (Rennes/FRA), Kissi Boateng (Berekum Chelsea), Jonathan Mensah (Evian/FRA), John Paintsil (Hapoel Tel Aviv/ISR), Isaac Vorsah (Red Bull Salzburg/AUT) Midfielders: Albert Adomah (Bristol City/ENG), Anthony Annan (Osasuna/ESP), Kwadwo Asamoah (Juventus/ITA), Solomon Asante (Berekum), Christian Atsu (Porto/POR), Emmanuel Agyemang Badu (Udinese/ITA), Derek Boateng (Dnipro Dnipropetrovsk/UKR), Mohammed Rabiu (Evian/FRA), Mubarak Wakaso (Espanyol/ESP) Strikers: Emmanuel Clottey (Esperance/TUN), Asamoah Gyan (Al Ain/UAE), Richmond Boakye Yiadom (Sassuolo/ITA) Important absences: Samuel Inkoom (df, Dnipro), John Mensah (df, Rennes), Sulley Muntari (mf, Milan), André Ayew (mf, Marseille), KP Boateng (mf, Milan) and Jordan Ayew (fw, Marseille).

[McNasara]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B Mali

• Highest Fifa ranking in 2012: 27
• ACN appearances: 7 (last 2012)
• Best results: runners-up in 1972, third in 2012

• Nickname: The Eagles
• Qualified: 7:1 against Botswana

• Coach: Patrice Carteron (July 2012), Frenchman is a strict disciplinarian and tactically efficient as he has guided the Malians to a number of victories since taking over.

• Friendlies:

(Jan) ?:? (Jan) ?:? Squad Goalkeepers: Soumbeyla Diakite (Stade Malien), Mamadou Samassa (Guingamp/FRA), Aly Yirango (Djoliba) Defenders: Adama Coulibaly (Auxerre/FRA), Idrissa Coulibaly (Lekihwiya/QAT), Ousmane Coulibaly (Brest/FRA), Salif Coulibaly (Djoliba), Fousseyni Diawara (Ajaccio/FRA), Mahamadou Ndiaye (Vitoria Guimaraes/POR), Adama Tamboura (Randers/DEN), Molla Wague (Caen/FRA) Midfielders: Samba Diakite (QPR/ENG), Cheick Fantamady Diarra (Rennes/FRA), Sigamary Diarra (Ajaccio/FRA), Seydou Keita (Aerbin Dalian/CHN), Mohamed Sissoko (PSG/FRA), Samba Sow (Lens/FRA), Kalilou Traore (Sochaux/FRA), Mahamane Traore (Nice/FRA), Sambou Yatabare (Bastia/FRA) Strikers: Cheick Tidiane Diabate (Bordeaux/FRA), Modibo Maiga (West Ham/ENG), Mamadou Samassa (Chievo/ITA) Important absences: Fofana (df, Reims), D. Diakité (mf, Olympiacos), M. Diarra (mf, Fulham), A. Traore (mf, Girondins Bordeaux), B. Traoré (mf, Milan) and M. Yatabare (fw, Guingamp).

[McNasara]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B Congo DR

• Highest Fifa ranking in 2012: 103
• ACN appearances: 15 (last 2006)
• Best results: champions in 1968 and 1974; third in 1998

• Nickname: The Leopards
• Qualified: 7:0 against Seychelles and 5:2 against Equatorial Guinea

• Coach: Claude Le Roy (September 2011), Frenchman has rich experience in African football from years of working as a coach in Cameroon, Senegal, Ghana and the DR Congo (2004-06).

• Friendlies:

(Nov) 0:1 Burkina Faso (Jan) ?:? Squad Goalkeepers: Robert Kidiaba (TP Mazembe), Bakala Landu (MK Etancheite), Parfait Mandanda (Charleroi/BEL) Defenders: Jean Kasusula (Mazembe), Larrys Mabiala (Karabukspor/TUR), Chancel Mbemba (Anderlecht/BEL), Cedric Mongongu (Evian/FRA), Issama Mpeko (Vita Club), Landry Mulemo (Kortrijk/BEL), Gabriel Zakuani (Peterborough/ENG) Midfielders: Dioko Kaluyituka (Al-Kharitiyath/QAT), Deo Kanda (Mazembe), Cedric Makiadi (Freiburg/GER), Zola Matumona (Mons-Bergen/BEL), Tresor Mputu (Mazembe), Youssouf Mulumbu (West Bromwich Albion) Strikers: Patou Kabangu (Mazembe), Yves Diba (Al-Raed/KSA), Domi Kumbela (Eintracht Brunswick/GER), Tresor LuaLua Lomana (Karabukspor/TUR), Manzia Budje (Shark), Dieumerci Mbokani (Anderlecht/BEL), Luvumbu Nzinga (Rojolu) Important absences: Ilunga (df, Doncaster)

[McNasara]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B Niger

• Highest Fifa ranking in 2012: 98
• ACN appearances: 1 (last 2012)
• Best results: group stage in 2012

• Nickname: Menas
• Qualified: 2:1 against Guinea

• Coach: Gernot Rohr (September 2012), German is a well-travelled coach, who guided Gabon to the last eight of the last AFCON, and has worked in France, Switzerland and Tunisia.

• Friendlies:

(Aug) 0:0 Nigeria (Oct) 4:3 Liberia (Nov) 1:1 Senegal (Dec) 0:3 Morocco (Dec) 0:1 Ethiopia (Jan) 3:1 Togo (Jan) 0:0 Burkina Faso (Jan) 0:0 Platinum Stars Squad Goalkeepers: Moussa Alzouma (Garde Nationale), Daouda Kassaly (Chippa Utd/RSA), Saminou Rabo (Sahel) Defenders: Ismael Alassane, Kader Amadou and Mohamed Soumaila (Olympic), Mohamed Bachar and Luky James (AS Douane), Mohammed Chikoto (Marsa/TUN), Koffi Dankowa (Zarzis/TUN), Kourouma Fatogoma (Chabab/MAR) Midfielders: Issoufou Boubacar (clubless), Karim Konate (clubless), Issiakou Koudize (Garde Nationale), Idrissa Laouali (Mangasport/GAB), Amadou Mountari (Le Mans/FRA), Williams N’Gonou (LB 07/SWE), Souleymane Sakou (Olympic), Babacar Talatou (AmaZulu/RSA) Strikers: Kamilou Daouda (Saoura/ALG), Issoufou Dante (Wydad Fes/MAR), Moussa Maazou (Etoile Sahel/TUN), Modibo Sidibé (clubless) Important absences: Idrissa (fw, Chipa United)

[McNasara]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B [TABLE=class: couponTable]

[TR] [TH] [/TH] [TH=class: firstColumn]Sunday 20 January 2013[/TH] [TH]Home[/TH] [TH]Draw[/TH] [TH]Away[/TH] [TH=class: bppWidth]BPP[/TH] [/TR] [TR=class: row0] [TD][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn] Ghana v Congo DR (15:00 GMT) [/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd] 1.5 [/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd] 4.75 [/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd] 8 [/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp]100.22 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row1] [TD][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn] Mali v Niger (18:00 GMT) [/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd] 1.53 [/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd] 4.2 [/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd] 7.7 [/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp]102.01 %[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]

[kevshat]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B 4pts Ghana vs DR Congo - Over 2.5 goals 5/4 BetVictor Whether the strike issues have affected the Congo players in any way remains to be seen and we’ll only really know when the match starts and we’ve seen 20 minutes or so but if those issues haven’t effected them then I think we’ll see an open attacking game of football here. Ghana are known for being tight defensively but there are goals in this Congolese side, as there is in the Ghanaian side so it may pay to take a chance on over 2.5 goals here. Full preview here: http://www.punterslounge.com/ghana-vs-dr-congo-betting-dr-congo-s-attacking-options-could-see-a-few-goals-in-group-b-opener 4pts Mali (-1AH) to beat Niger 21/20 BetVictor Niger have had a couple of decent showings in warm up matches for this tournament but I would be very surprised if Mali don’t win this match. I expect them to play on the front foot and with two tougher tests to come they will want to make sure they get off to a winning start. If Mali score early and get in a position to dominate the match I think they have the personnel to win this fairly comfortably. Full preview here: http://www.punterslounge.com/mali-vs-niger-betting-mali-can-get-their-tournament-off-to-a-winning-start-in-durban

[McNasara]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B Mali v Niger The Eagles are the favorites for sure, but it is not clear in what kind of mood they begin the tournament. The match between the neighboring countries, unattractive odds for me. No bet Ghana v DR Congo The Black Stars are another favorite today. Both sides have very good offensive players, but they lack the experienced defenders. Same time, Ghana is likely to be without regular goalkeeper and a key defender. I think Le Roy has much more experience than the coach of Ghana and this could be an opportunity for the Leopards. We should see the most interesting match so far, and I hope that goals won't be missing this time. I don't have time for a more detailed analysis, good luck lads BTS @2.37 (Boylesports, Coral) medium stake

[McNasara]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B According to local reports in South Africa, the teams in this group have requested that women not be present in the stadia for their games as they “believe women bring bad luck and are associated with witchcraft”. :rollin

[MPLouis]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B Just watching my first game, Mali v Niger. Being played at a very slow pace, and the ref is letting a lot of physical challenges go. In general there have been few goals and few cards in this tournament so far, and I can start to see why if this game is any guide.

[McNasara]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B

Ghana v DR Congo The Black Stars are another favorite today. Both sides have very good offensive players, but they lack the experienced defenders. Same time, Ghana is likely to be without regular goalkeeper and a key defender. I think Le Roy has much more experience than the coach of Ghana and this could be an opportunity for the Leopards. We should see the most interesting match so far, and I hope that goals won't be missing this time. I don't have time for a more detailed analysis, good luck lads BTS @2.37 (Boylesports, Coral) medium stake

2:2 :cigar:cigar

[McNasara]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B [TABLE=class: couponTable]

[TR] [TH] [/TH] [TH=class: firstColumn]Thursday 24 January 2013[/TH] [TH]Home[/TH] [TH]Draw[/TH] [TH]Away[/TH] [TH=class: bppWidth]BPP[/TH] [TH] [/TH] [/TR] [TR=class: row0] [TD][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn] Ghana v Mali (15:00 GMT) [/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd] 2.2 [/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd] 3.4 [/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd] 3.9 [/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp]100.51 %[/TD] [TD=class: tvListings][/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row1] [TD][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn] Niger v Congo DR (18:00 GMT) [/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd] 5.5 [/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd] 3.65 [/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd] 1.8 [/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp]101.13 %[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]

[McNasara]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B Ghana v Mali Here I expect a tough match where the stakes are high for both sides. Black Stars are better team, but Mali is in better mood after fitst round. They played two games in last ACN and both rivals won once with 2:0. I can see another low scoring game between these two, and I've found a nice value at local deserving medium stakes, IMO (only the second time in this competition so far). under 2,5 @1.70 at local medium stake

[kevshat]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B Thursday previews: 4pts Ghana vs Mali - Both teams to score 11/10 William Hill This is probably the match of the whole group phase and I think it will be one which contains a lot of quality. Ghana looked good going forward against DR Congo but looked loose at the back and I think Mali have the personnel to take advantage of that but once Niger went for broke against Mali you sensed there was a weakness in the Mali defence which Ghana can exploit so the odds against on both teams scoring looks good to me here. Full preview here: http://www.punterslounge.com/ghana-vs-mali-betting-two-best-sides-in-group-b-can-show-their-attacking-skills-in-headline-match 5pts DR Congo to beat Niger 4/5 Bet365 I’d like to think Niger would show a little more in this match than they did against Mali but with their coach claiming a point would be seen as a successful tournament for his side I’m not so sure now. One thing we do know is DR Congo will attack. They have some very good attacking players at this level and having scored twice against Ghana you have to feel they will be confident of scoring here too and their attacking philosophy can lead them to a much needed win in this match. Full preview here: http://www.punterslounge.com/dr-congo-vs-niger-betting-dr-congo-s-attacking-mentality-can-see-them-past-negative-niger

[Fedar]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B Ghana - Mali I follow the logic of McNasara, but I take it a step further, as I think that this one will so tight that it is not very likely to have a winner in the end. Important factor here is that this game is played earlier today, before DR Congo - Niger. As mentioned above, Mali are in a better position, given their 3 points at the top of the group, so they definitely won't take any risks here and a draw will perfectly suit them, since it will mean that they only need not to lose the last game in order to pass through. However, despite not winning in the first round, Ghana won't be willing to take many risks, either. They have a last game against the group outsider Niger, when the experience and class of the Black Stars, coupled with the supposed lowered spirits of Niger if they are already out by this time, should guarantee a comfortable victory that will see Ghana to the next stage. It is very important to note that if Ghana loses today and DR Congo wins, it will practically mean that the Black Stars are already out of the tournament, as a draw between DR Congo and Mali will suit both teams and help them qualify. Therefore, I think that Ghana won't be taking any risks against strong Mali squad and would strongly prefer to decide everything in the last game against the weakest team in the group. As I mentioned in the beginning, it is a very important factor that this game is scheduled earlier that DR Congo - Niger, because otherwise, the result in the other match could have changed the motivations of both teams. For instance, if Niger had defeated DR Congo, Ghanians would be willing to take much risk against Mali, because the scenario with the last round draw between Mali and Congo will not be functional anymore, and because regardless whether they draw or lose against Mali, Ghanians will still be behind Niger and will have to defeat them to qualify. In alternative example, if DR Congo had beaten with a big margin Niger earlier today, then Mali could have strong incentive to take risks and try to win. Because regardless whether they draw or lose against Ghana, they will still be behind DR Congo (in the first case on goal difference) and will need to defeat them in the last round. But under these circumstances, not knowing the result of the other game, both Mali and Ghana will prefer not take too many risks and will settle with a draw. Draw @ 3.10

[McNasara]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B

Ghana v Mali Here I expect a tough match where the stakes are high for both sides. Black Stars are better team, but Mali is in better mood after fitst round. They played two games in last ACN and both rivals won once with 2:0. I can see another low scoring game between these two, and I've found a nice value at local deserving medium stakes, IMO (only the second time in this competition so far). under 2,5 @1.70 at local medium stake

1:0 :cigar:cigar

[RIOT88]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B McNasara, what you think about next game DR Congo - Niger?

[McNasara]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B

McNasara' date=' what you think about next game DR Congo - Niger?[/quote'] I can't help a lot... As last night's match of Cape Verde, so now I have DR Congo to qualify from the group. So I believe that they will do well against Niger. I also hope that we will see some goals. ;)

[McNasara]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B last round [TABLE=class: couponTable]

[TR] [TH] [/TH] [TH=class: firstColumn]Monday 28 January 2013[/TH] [TH]Home[/TH] [TH]Draw[/TH] [TH]Away[/TH] [TH=class: bppWidth]BPP[/TH] [/TR] [TR=class: row0] [TD][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn] Congo DR v Mali (17:00 GMT) [/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd] 4.5 [/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd] 3.6 [/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd] 1.9 [/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp]102.63 %[/TD] [/TR] [TR] [/TR] [TR=class: row1] [TD][/TD] [TD=class: firstColumn] Niger v Ghana (17:00 GMT) [/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd] 17 [/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd] 6.5 [/TD] [TD=class: selectionBestOdd] 1.4 [/TD] [TD=class: bppWidth bpp]92.70 %[/TD] [/TR] [/TABLE]

[kevshat]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B 4pts Mali vs DR Congo - Both teams to score 11/10 Blue Square I like the chances of a few goals here. Both sides have better attacking players than defensive ones and with Congo having to win then they are more likely to take a few risks which will leave space in behind for Mali to exploit. Both sides have shown their attacking potential in the tournament so far and I fully expect to see that in this match so I like both teams to score here. Full preview here: http://www.punterslounge.com/dr-congo-vs-mali-betting-expect-to-see-both-teams-score-in-do-or-die-clash 4pts Ghana to beat Niger to nil 6/5 Ladbrokes I expect Ghana to be too good for Niger in this game. We’re getting to the stage of the tournament now where the top teams start to play their best football and there’s no doubt Ghana are one of those sides. Niger have got the point they craved in the tournament and that is important for them but they still haven’t scored and I don’t see that changing here so I’ll take Ghana to win this one to nil. Full preview here: http://www.punterslounge.com/niger-vs-ghana-betting-ghana-can-progress-to-the-quarter-finals-by-winning-without-conceding

[pupsaa]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B I think a good bet for today would be Draw/Ghana at bet365, as you will get the bet voided if it ends 0-0 and it just might, as Ghana don't need more than that to qualify. Also, Niger has the quality to defend properly for at least one half.

[RIOT88]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B

I think a good bet for today would be Draw/Ghana at bet365' date=' as you will get the bet voided if it ends 0-0 and it just might, as Ghana don't need more than that to qualify. Also, Niger has the quality to defend properly for at least one half.[/quote'] I think there is much value in this bet. Odds of 3.60 seem very good for me.I'll follow you. Thanks.

[EMERY18]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B

I think there is much value in this bet. Odds of 3.60 seem very good for me.I'll follow you. Thanks.

Where did you find Draw/Ghana at 3.60? The odds on a Ghana win are 2/5 alone, I dont see how these odds are possible, sorry if im missing something aha

[EMERY18]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B

Where did you find Draw/Ghana at 3.60? The odds on a Ghana win are 2/5 alone' date=' I dont see how these odds are possible, sorry if im missing something aha[/quote'] Never mind, I just realised you mean HT/FT not Double Chance aha my bad :$

[Aidymac]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B Congo DR v Mali Crunch game here, and a game in which Congo must win. I thought they were excellent against Ghana where they got a 2-2 draw, but were poor against Niger last time out, although Niger can be guilty of diving, time-wasting and cheating in that match. Nonetheless, a 0-0 was a poor result However, if they produce the football they played against Ghana, they will definately get a result against this Mali side. Ghana beat Mali 1-0 in the last match, and will settle for a draw against Congo. I will also settle for a draw, as I am going to play Congo on the Asian Handicap. Mali could make a big mistake in trying to play for a draw today, and the odds are too big for Congo in my opinion, as these African Cup games are normally very tight. I do think we will see goals, as I can see Congo attacking from the off, and Mali will create a good bit too, so I will back the overs. *DR Congo +0.5 Asian Handicap > 10 Points @ 1.70 Bet365* *Over 2.5 Goals > 10 Points @ 2.33 32Red*

[Johny B]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B

I think a good bet for today would be Draw/Ghana at bet365' date=' as you will get the bet voided if it ends 0-0 and it just might, as Ghana don't need more than that to qualify. Also, Niger has the quality to defend properly for at least one half.[/quote'] How can you get the bet voided when 0-0 means Draw HT/Draw FT which is completely different to Draw/Ghana?

[EMERY18]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B

How can you get the bet voided when 0-0 means Draw HT/Draw FT which is completely different to Draw/Ghana?

365 have a MBG going on... http://www.bet365.com/extra/extra.aspx?ContentPath=Promotions%2cSoccer%2cBoredraw

[MPLouis]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B Congo DR v Mali Congo DR won an average of 5 corners/game in their first two games. Mali conceded an average of 5 corners/game in their first two games. Looking at those stats, and the fact that DR Congo have to win this game, I think there is some value in backing over 4.5 Congo DR corners at odds of evens - Over 4.5 Congo DR Corners 2.0 Bet 365 Stake: 7/10 (confidence I have in the value of the bet) source for stats: soccerway

[MPLouis]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B

Congo DR v Mali Congo DR won an average of 5 corners/game in their first two games. Mali conceded an average of 5 corners/game in their first two games. Looking at those stats, and the fact that DR Congo have to win this game, I think there is some value in backing over 4.5 Congo DR corners at odds of evens - Over 4.5 Congo DR Corners 2.0 Bet 365 Stake: 7/10 (confidence I have in the value of the bet) source for stats: soccerway

Result: 4 DR Congo corners Bet lost DR Congo didn't do quite enough against a strong Mali defence who got the draw that saw them through at Congo's expense. Congo were good in patches but didn't sustain their attacking momentum and Mali came closest to scoring a winner.

[MPLouis]

Re: ACN 2013 - Group B

4pts Mali vs DR Congo - Both teams to score 11/10 Blue Square I like the chances of a few goals here. Both sides have better attacking players than defensive ones and with Congo having to win then they are more likely to take a few risks which will leave space in behind for Mali to exploit. Both sides have shown their attacking potential in the tournament so far and I fully expect to see that in this match so I like both teams to score here. Full preview here: http://www.punterslounge.com/dr-congo-vs-mali-betting-expect-to-see-both-teams-score-in-do-or-die-clash 4pts Ghana to beat Niger to nil 6/5 Ladbrokes I expect Ghana to be too good for Niger in this game. We’re getting to the stage of the tournament now where the top teams start to play their best football and there’s no doubt Ghana are one of those sides. Niger have got the point they craved in the tournament and that is important for them but they still haven’t scored and I don’t see that changing here so I’ll take Ghana to win this one to nil. Full preview here: http://www.punterslounge.com/niger-vs-ghana-betting-ghana-can-progress-to-the-quarter-finals-by-winning-without-conceding

Good tips Kh :ok