AFCON 2019 semi-final betting preview – Algeria vs Nigeria

Algeria – +150 at Bovada
Draw – +192
Nigeria – +225

North will battle West when Algeria locks horns with Nigeria in the second semifinal of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations on Sunday night at the Cairo International Stadium. The first semifinal match will be between Senegal and Tunisia—offering the mouth watering prospect of an all North African or all West African final on July 19.

Going into their quarterfinal match against Ivory Coast with a perfect record of four wins from four, Algeria took the lead inside twenty minutes through Galatasaray midfielder Sofiane Feghouli, before Aston Villa forward Jonathan Kodjia restored parity for the Elephants just moments after the hour mark.

SEE ALSO: SENEGAL VS TUNISIA BETTING PREVIEW

Before the equalizer however, Baghdad Bounedjah could have given the Desert Foxes a comfortable two goal cushion had he converted from the spot two minutes into the break; a missed opportunity they came to rue after the West Africans forced the game into extra time. Nevertheless, the Algerians held their nerves as they went on to book their place in the last four by winning 4-3 in the post match penalties.

Nigeria on the other hand secured progression into the semifinals following an exhilarating 2-1 win over South Africa on Wednesday night. Samuel Chukwueze broke the deadlock for Nigeria in the 27th minute, only for Bongani Zungu to equalize for the Bafana Bafana midway through the second half.

It seemed as though the match was heading to extra time, with Video Assistant Referee playing a huge role in Zungu’s equalizing goal that was initially ruled for offside, but Nigeria’s late audacious rally saw William Troost-Ekong steal the win for the Super Eagles.

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Algeria AFCON 2019 team news

Last time out Algeria head coach Djamel Belmadi retained the same starting eleven that thrashed Guinea 3-0. There is every reason to believe that the tactician will select the same players once again, given that he has no injury concerns.

Nigeria AFCON 2019 team news

Gernot Rohr is wary of a number of injuries ahead of his side’s decisive semifinal encounter with Algeria.

Striker Odion Ighalo sustained a calf injury while winger Ahmed Musa has an adductor strain; both players suffering the injuries against South Africa.

Defender Chidozie Awaziem was also left with a coped ankle after their grueling match against South Africa.

Although the injuries are not severe, the three players will still have to pass a late fitness test ahead of Sunday’s decider.

Odion Ighalo goalscorer betting tips

Odion Ighalo to score at anytime – +240 at Bovada
Odion Ighalo to score first – +600

With seven goals to his name during the Afcon qualifiers, the highest of any player on the continent, the expectations of an entire nation were thrown on the shoulders of one Odion Ighalo ahead of Nigeria’s trip to Egypt.

The former Watford striker, who now plays for Chinese club Shanghai Greenland Shenhua, hasn’t disappointed—as he has scored three goals and provided an assist in the 2019 Afcon.

Placed at $3.15 on Betin Kenya to win the golden boot, just a place behind Sadio Mane who boasts of a $2.50 probability on the same site, Ighalo could rise to the occasion against Algeria—should he shake off the injury.

Senegal vs Nigeria AFCON predictions

Algeria to win – +150 at Bovada
Total goal Under 2.5 – -217.39

Algeria and Tunisia may be the only unbeaten teams in the Afcon semifinals, but the former holds the more impressive record—with four wins and a draw compared to the latter’s five draws registered in ninety minutes.

The Desert Foxes are also the highest scoring team thus far in the continental competition, having found the back of the net ten times in five games.

Nonetheless, Djamel Belmadi’s charges still stand a $3.40 chance on Betin Kenya to lift the coveted prize behind Senegal at $2.30.

The Super Eagles seem to have hit their best form after their slump over Madagascar two weeks ago, but Algeria may prove too strong for the West Africans.

Algeria AFCON 2019 results

Ivory Coast 1-1 (3-4) Algeria (July 11, 2019)
Jonathan Kodjia 62’
Sofiane Feghouli 20’

Algeria 3-0 Guinea (July 7, 2019)
Mohamed Youcef Belaïli 24’
Riyad Mahrez 57’
Adam Ounas 82’

Tanzania 0-3 Algeria (July 1, 2019)
Islam Slimani 34’
Adam Ounas 39’, 45+1’

Senegal 0-1 Algeria (June 27, 2019)
Mohamed Youcef Belaïli 49’

Algeria 2-0 Kenya (June 23, 2019)
Baghdad Bounedjah 34’ (P)
Riya Mahrez 43’

Nigeria AFCON 2019 results

Nigeria 2-1 South Africa (July 10, 2019)
Samuel Chukwueze 27’
William Troost-Ekong 89’
Bongani Zungu 71’

Nigeria 3-2 Cameroon (July 6, 2019)
Odion Ighalo 19’, 63’
Alex Iwobi 66’
Stéphane Bahoken 41’
Clinton Njié 44’

Madagascar 2-0 Nigeria (June 30, 2019)
Lalaïna Nomenjanahary 13’
Carolus Andriamatsinoro 53’

Nigeria 1-0 Guinea (June 26, 2019)
Kenneth Omeruo 73’

Nigeria 1-0 Burundi (June 22, 2019)
Odion Ighalo 77’