African Cup Of Nations 
/ James Eastham / 21 January 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Marseille midfielder Charle Kabore is one of several outstanding Burkina Faso internationals
"For Burkina Faso, winger Jonathan Pitroipa is a joy to watch, all balance, pace and high-speed dribbling ability. And Auxerre's Alain Traore's long-range shooting ability is the equal of anyone in the French league."
James Eastham expects tournament dark horses Burkina Faso to make a winning start against Angola on Sunday.
Burkina Faso v Sudan, KO 19:00 GMT, Eurosport 2, Match Odds: Burkina Faso 2.66, Angola, 3.05, Draw 3.05.
Angola have a better long-term and recent record at this tournament but the market suggests - rightly, in my view - that Burkina Faso are the likelier of the two to follow group favourites Ivory Coast into the quarter-finals.
With the Ivorians runaway jollies for not only the group but also the tournament, and Sudan [17.0] outsiders to win the pool, this match is crucial as the winners will take a massive step towards qualifying for the knock-out stage. It is therefore an immense test of nerve and character as well as talent as there is little room for error in a match that's likely to decide the tournament fate of both teams.
Burkina Faso (already tipped by Jack Houghton as potential tournament winners) have the better squad. The 23-man party coach Paulo Duarte has named for the finals includes a number of players that arrive at the finals with excellent credentials. Centre-half Bakary Kone, playing in France's third division for Guingamp 12 months ago, has adapted remarkably well to top-flight and Champions League football since joining Lyon five months ago; attacking midfielder Alain Traore's long-range shooting ability is the equal of anyone in the French league; and Rennes winger Jonathan Pitroipa (you can read an excellent interview with him here) is a joy to watch, all balance, pace and high-speed dribbling ability. Centre-forward Moumouni Dagano scored 12 goals in Burkina Faso's 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Angola's squad comprises less appealing names. European football followers will be familiar Manucho (Real Valladolid) and Flavio (Lierse), among others, but I would rather back Burkina's burgeoning talents than men whose best days may be behind them.
My selection is Burkina Faso at [2.66] rather than Angola at [3.05]. I'd also rather back over 2.5 goals at [2.72] than unders at [1.55]. The general view of opening-round games is they're tight, low-scoring affairs, but 16 of the last 31 (52%) opening games for countries at this tournament, stretching back to 2004, have featured three goals or more.
Best Bet: Burkina Faso to beat Angola @ [2.66]
Other Recommended Bet: Over 2.5 goals @ [2.72]
* 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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