Ghana v Senegal: Share of the spoils likely

It's hard to know what tactical approach Avram Grant will take

Dave Farrar predicts both Ghana and Senegal would be content with a point each in this opening game...

Ghana v Senegal
Mon, 16:00
Live on British Eurosport

History tells us that there won't be many goals in the opening round of Cup of Nations Group games. At the last tournament, it was only the matches involving Ivory Coast (v Togo) and Ghana (against DR Congo) that went over 2.5, and so backers of that market must tread carefully.

Senegal conceded only once in qualifying, a 90th minute winner for Tunisia in Monastir, and that's a record that must be respected, but both of these sides have enough in forward areas to suggest that a price of 2.77/4 for Over 2.5 Goals is on the large side.

Alain Giresse can call on Mame Biram Diouf, Papiss Cisse, Dame N'Doye and Moussa Sow, and while only two of those will realistically start, it makes the point that Senegal may be a little more threatening here than they might seem by simply looking at their qualifying results.

Ghana normally can be relied upon for goals, with both teams failing to score in only one of their qualifying games, and two of their three Group games at the last Cup of Nations going over 2.5.

If Senegal are solid defensively, then Ghana may be just a little weak in that area, and their pre-tournament change of coach will either be a serious mistake or a stroke of genius.

It's hard to know quite what tactical approach Avram Grant will take, and there's even uncertainty about who will start in goal on Monday.

I like Ghana to go very deep into the Cup of Nations 2015, and have tipped them to win it, but I doubt that they'll do it in a cold and bloodless fashion. Their games will almost certainly be entertaining, and rather than back over 2.5 goals here, I'll take the generous 2.35/4 about both teams scoring in Mongomo.

This is a Group that could go right down to its final moments, and every single point will count. Both Ghana and Senegal would probably be happy with a draw here, and I wouldn't put you off backing the 1-1 Correct Score at around the 7.26/1 mark if you want a more adventurous price.

Recommended Bet
Back Both Teams to Score @ 2.35/4