African Cup of Nations: One-goal Togo win heads best bets

Tournament favourites Ivory Coast can seal their quarter final berth with a win over Tunisia in the final instalment of the second round of group games, though this could prove a lot easier said than done.

Ivory Coast v Tunisia

The Didier Drogba-led Elephants are clear favourites to win this match at 8/15, but their record against Tunisia does not inspire the sort of confidence required to lump on an odds-on bet.

Of their eight renewals, the Ivorians have mustered just two wins and the Eagles of Carthage were the last African nation to get the better of them.

However, they’re in much better form than the Tunisians, winning four goal-filled games prior to this one; spectators witnessing a combined total of 19 flying in at either end. Back this match to produce over 3.5 goals – the first of the competition thus far – at 11/4.

Much to the annoyance of Arsenal fans, Gervinho has been the man in form for the Ivorians. Ever the exasperator at the Emirates, the man with the invisible hair-line has notched three in his last three international appearances, including the winner against Togo last time out.

He’s 5/1 to have the final say in this match, likewise to score the opener and a price of 11/8 is the going rate for a Gervinho goal at any time against Tunisia.

Algeria v Togo

The Fennec Foxes have now failed to score in three attempts following their defeat to neighbouring Tunisia last time out. That run has to end if they wish to maintain an interest in the competition, but the Togolese proved in their defeat to Ivory Coast that they are a spirited bunch and Algerian joy is far from guaranteed here.

Despite their inability to find the back of the net, Algeria remain 1/1 favourites for victory, though the other two match betting alternatives offer far greater value. Togo are 11/4 for the win and, having done so in four of their previous six games, they’re in much better shape than their North African counterparts.

Five of their previous six games have been settled by a solitary goal; three in their favour, two against. Another Togo one-goal win is available to back at a tasty-looking 9/2, while for Algeria to claim the spoils by the same margin is on offer at 29/10. Given the latter’s goalscoring difficulties of late, however, there’s no debating that Togo’s price is the stronger.

All odds and markets accurate as of publication’s time and date