Gabon vs Zambia
FreeNot much going on today so our attention turns to the African Cup of Nations!
Today’s featured game is between Gabon and Zambia. Gabon have already qualified for the latter stages of this competition whereas Zambia simply have to win to have any chance of qualifying.
Gabon have done better than most people expected in this tournament, including myself. They’ve got some goalscoring potential but I was wary of their defensive issues, something which has been resolutely answered by them playing two games and not conceding a goal! If Gabon sort out their defensive frailties as they seemingly have then they’re a potential dark horse in this competition. I don’t envision for one moment that Gabon are going to field a full-strength squad in this game – what would be the point? They’re already through. However, Gabon are a decent side and are quick on the counter-attack, something which should be largely relevant today.
Zambia are a decent side themselves but are far too weak defensively to be considered a real threat here. Zambia have to win this game so they’ll be going all out against Gabon but their dodgy defence will be further exposed by Gabon’s counter-attack as their team pushes up. Zambia are capable of playing some decent football on their day and there’s not masses of difference between these two sides today but frankly Gabon are the better side and have the opportunity to play to their strengths and expose Zambia’s weakness.
This should be quite the open game, in my opinion, but I can only see Gabon winning it because they’ve got the firepower and organisation – Zambia just aren’t good enough defensively to keep them or indeed anyone out, particularly with an average of two goals conceded per game thus far.
Verdict: Gabon to win at 7/5.
Thursday’s Picks
African Nations:
Gabon vs Zambia (7) 1-0
Cameroon vs Tunisia (5) 1-2
Enjoy your free betting tips!