African Cup Of Nations 
/ James Eastham / 21 January 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Ivory Coast has some outstanding attacking talent in their squad
"Of course, all tournaments throw up upsets, but there’s no point opposing Ivory Coast because there’s no evidence that Sudan are good enough to earn a win or draw. The problem, as always with short-priced favourites, is how to make them pay."
James Eastham believes Ivory Coast will avoid any slip-ups against rank outsiders Sudan on Sunday afternoon.
Ivory Coast v Sudan, KO 16:00 GMT, Eurosport, Match Odds: Ivory Coast 1.23, Sudan 19.5, The Draw 6.6.
Even the most casual observer of African football would describe this as a mismatch. A look at the markets tells you how far apart Ivory Coast and Sudan are.
Francois Zahoui's Ivory Coast are [1.28] to win Group B, and as short as [2.74] to win the tournament. Sudan are [17.0] outsiders to win the pool, and last in the outright betting at [300.0].
They may hail from the same continent but a glance through the two squads tells you these nations inhabit different footballing worlds. Didier Drogba, Yaya Toure and Cheick Tiote are among the most high-profile members of Ivory Coast's party; in contrast, Sudan's 23-man group was drawn entirely from their domestic league, with all but four players coming from Al Hilal and Al Merreikh.
Of course, all tournaments throw up upsets, but there's no point opposing Ivory Coast because there's no evidence that Sudan are good enough to earn a win or draw. The problem, as always with short-priced favourites, is how to make them pay. The [1.23] on Ivory Coast winning in 90 minutes will be too skinny for most bettors, so I've scoured the markets for more appealing alternatives.
My favourite three selections are Ivory Coast to be leading at HT and FT ([1.71]), Ivory Coast with a -1.5&-2.0 start on the Asian handicap ([1.96]) and Ivory Coast to win to nil ([1.67]). Thirteen of 23 wins (57%) have been to nil in the first round of matches at Africa Cup of Nations tournaments dating back to 2004, but I'd make the chances of Ivory Coast winning while keeping a clean sheet here bigger because Sudan are weak opposition.
Backing Ivory Coast (whose chances of victory are analysed by Michael Lintorn here) on the Asian handicap is also a good call, as you'll make money as long as Ivory Coast win by two goals or more. Considering the attacking riches in their squad - Drogba, Seydou Doumbia, Salomon Kalou, Gervinho, Max Gradel and others - they are capable of running up a three- or four-goal winning scoreline.
Best Bet: Ivory Coast to win to nil @ [1.67]
Other Recommended Bet: Ivory Coast -1.5&-2.0 Asian handicap @ [1.96]
* James Eastham's tips for betting.betfair.com made a profit at both the 2010 World Cup and 2011 Copa America
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