We look at whether Africa Cup of Nations hosts Ivory Coast and Ghana can qualify for the Round of 16 from their respective groups.
After a manic Monday of final games in Group A and B, two highly fancied teams in Ivory Coast (Group A) and Ghana (Group B) find themselves in the third-place spots.
As a result, qualification for the Round of 16 at the Africa Cup of Nations as one of the best four third-placed teams is out of their hands.
Tournament hosts Ivory Coast suffered a humiliating 4-0 defeat last night in their final group game to Equatorial Guinea, who remarkably topped Group A containing the hosts and powerhouses Nigeria.
As for Ghana, their late draw against Mozambique - from leading 2-0 going into the 90th minute - meant that they finished Group B on two points, behind Mohamed Salah’s Egypt on three points.
Their fate now lies on the outcomes of the remaining groups. Cameroon, Algeria, Namibia and Zambia currently occupy the third place spots, but all can change over the next two days.
Have Ivory Coast been eliminated from AFCON?
Ivory Coast have not yet been eliminated. AFCON allows the best four of six third placed teams through to the last 16, just like the UEFA European Championships this summer. They finished Group A on three points, with just the one win against Guinea-Bissau on the opening day.
Have Ghana been eliminated from AFCON?
Ghana are still in with a chance of qualifying for the Round of 16. However, they are at a disadvantage against Ivory Coast as the Black Stars have just two points in comparison to the Elephants’ three.
If Cameroon and Algeria both win tonight against Gambia and Mauritania respectively, Ghana will be eliminated from AFCON as four third-placed teams across the six groups will be guaranteed to have more than Ghana’s two points.
AFCON Odds
| Name | Best Odds | Worst Odds |
|---|---|---|
| Morocco | 10/3 | 11/4 |
| Senegal | 7/2 | 11/4 |
| Algeria | 9/1 | 11/2 |
| Nigeria | 9/1 | 15/2 |
| Egypt | 16/1 | 12/1 |
| Ivory Coast | 16/1 | 6/1 |
Who are the favourites to win the Africa Cup of Nations?
Morocco are the bookmakers’ favourites to win the Africa Cup of Nations at a best price of 10/3. They have already qualified but a defeat to Zambia and DR Congo win would see them finish third in Group F, potentially giving them a tougher Round of 16 draw.
Pre-tournament favourites Senegal have the second shortest best price of 7/2 on William Hill.
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The third favourites are Algeria at 9/1. They could exit the tournament due to their two points from two games if they were to lose to Mauritania tonight, but Algeria are 2/5 favourites for the match.
Nigeria and Egypt finish off the top five teams to win AFCON, at best prices of 9/1 (Betway) and 16/1 respectively. Both have qualified for the round of 16, with Egypt sneaking through despite drawing all their matches and losing star man Mohamed Salah to injury.
