AFCON 2023 is in full swing, and the excitement is palpable as the tournament progresses. The second match day is set to bring even more thrilling action, and football fans are eagerly anticipating the upcoming fixtures.
One of the highly anticipated matches is Cape Verde vs Mozambique, scheduled to kick off at 14:00 GMT on Friday. Both teams caused major upsets in their opening matches, leaving Group B wide open. Cape Verde secured a remarkable victory against Ghana, while Mozambique held Egypt to a 2-2 draw, with the Pharaohs requiring a last-minute penalty to salvage a point.
The impressive performances of these underdog teams have garnered attention, but it is Cape Verde that has particularly caught the eye. Their attacking prowess was on full display as they outplayed Ghana, racking up 2.99 xG and proving their mettle against a formidable opponent. In contrast, Mozambique’s attacking display was less convincing, with only 0.80 xG from six shots, raising questions about their ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities.
Despite being ranked 38 places higher than Cape Verde in the FIFA World Rankings, Mozambique has yet to secure a victory at AFCON, with a record of D3, L10. The disappointment of conceding a late equalizer in their previous match may also affect their morale heading into the upcoming game.
The odds currently favor Cape Verde, with their price to win standing at 6/5. This reflects their strong showing not only in the recent match but also over an extended period, where they have consistently performed well against lower-ranked opponents. The betting odds, correct at 1700 GMT on January 18, 2024, further support the confidence in Cape Verde’s capabilities.
Another compelling fixture on match day two is Senegal vs Cameroon, set to kick off at 17:00 GMT. Cameroon’s performance in their opening match against Guinea raised concerns, as they struggled to secure a win despite playing against 10 men for the entire second half. With a meager 0.44 xG from nine shots, Cameroon’s attacking inefficiency is a cause for apprehension as they face the reigning champions, Senegal.
As the tournament progresses, football enthusiasts are eagerly awaiting these highly anticipated clashes, and the outcomes of these matches are poised to have a significant impact on the overall standings in Group B. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as AFCON 2023 continues to unfold.
