Co-hosts Equatorial Guinea made a winning start to their AFCON 2012 campaign and next up, they face a Senegal side who are skating on thin ice after losing their opening match in Group A.

Senegal were caught cold in losing 2-1 to Zambia on the opening day of the tournament. They were a solid looking 6/10 shot to win that game but their pre-tournament Group A favourites tag took a battering against an enterprising and extremely hard working Zambia side. Senegal did improve in the second period in which they halved a two goal deficit and hit the woodwork but their defence was hopelessly exposed early on, conceding twice in the first 20 minutes. Their skipper Mamadou Niang was substituted at half time against Zambia and it remains to be seen whether coach Amara Traore will shake things up here. Of the big name Senegal strikers, Demba Ba and Moussa Sow started and Papa Cisse came off the bench but all three are still looking for their first goal of the tournament.

Equatorial Guinea edged out Libya with a late goal, the 1-0 win sending the home crowd into raptures and lifting belief they can reach the knockout round. This looks much tougher and you could argue the precarious position of their opponents in the group standings has done the co-hosts no favours. It's probably worth keeping an eye on the Zambia score in the day's earlier kick off as should Zambia win, Equatorial Guinea will know a draw here would leave them requiring a single point in their final group match against Chipolopolo. For Senegal, this pretty much takes on the magnitude of a “must win game” as a draw would leave their destiny in terms of quart final qualification out of their hands.

Unfortunately there is no head to head form to go on.

The Betting, Match Result

Equatorial Guinea 4/1 Ladbrokes

Draw 5/2 Sportingbet, Ladbrokes, World Sports Betting

Senegal 8/10 World Sports Betting

Selected Others

Under 2.5 goals 13/20 Voltbet

Over 2.5 goals 14/10 World Sports Betting

Note, odds are correct at the time of publication but are subject to change. Not all bookmakers had priced up at the time of writing and many more markets are available. Watch out for the option to bet “in play” where available

Analysis

There is real pressure on Senegal here and whilst their defensive display against Zambia gives further cause for concern, in my book they have enough to bounce back and get their campaign heading in the right direction. This could get very physical and a healthy showing of yellow and perhaps red would be no great surprise so calm heads, especially in the Senegal side are called for. If the Lions of Teranga keep their discipline, their class should tell.

Bet: Senegal to win, 8/10 World Sports Betting

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