Live on Eurosport: Sat 18.30: With some top sides missing, Ghana can win the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations as 5/1 shots (William Hill)
With the absence of Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Cameroon, the Africa Cup of Nations is up for grabs and it’s Ivory Coast and Ghana that head the charge. Ivory Coast are clear favs at 7/4 with Sportingbet while Ghana come in a William Hill’s 5/1 2nd favs.
Behind those two, Senegal are Paddy Power’s 7/1 chances and then it’s out to 10/1 for Morocco (Ladbrokes) and Tunisia (Stan James). The winner is unlikely to come from outside that top five, the next in the market being Mali at 20/1 (bet365).
Ivory Coast boast some top players in Yaya Toure and Gervinho but it’s last time’s runners-up, Ghana, that get the nod. The Black Stars were steady in 2010, losing to Egypt in the final but they can change it all this time. Asamoah Gyan is knocking them in for fun and he can use that confidence here and John Mensah is a strong presence as captain. They avoid Ivory Coast until the final (should both teams win their group) – William Hill make Ghana 8/11 to win Group D. Backing Ghana each way at 4/1 with bet365 will give you half odds to reach the final, regardless of result.
Gyan is definitely the bet for top goalscorer at 8/1, courtesy of Boylesports, the odds are too good to ignore. He has scored more than a goal a game at his new club and should have the confidence to score here with a good team behind him. Others in the hunt are in-form Demba Ba (4/1, Skybet), Moussa Sow (16/1, Ladbrokes) and Gervinho (18/1, Paddy Power). Yaya Toure should not be ignored each way at 22/1 (bet365).
Compare all Africa Cup of Nations odds and bet at the best price.
