African Cup Of Nations 
/ James Eastham / 24 January 2012 / Leave a Comment 
Mali's Seydou Keita is one of the tournament's biggest names
"The member of Guinea's younger generation that immediately leaps out is Sadio Diallo: this tall, graceful attacker has been excellent at Bastia in France’s second division this season and appears on the point of a €4m move to Ligue 1 Rennes."
James Eastham expects "The National Elephants" to defy the odds by seeing off Mali in Group D.
Mali v Guinea, Tuesday January 24, KO 19:00 GMT, British Eurosport, Match Odds: Mali [2.62], Guinea [3.0], The Draw [3.2].
This is an intriguing match-up between the two sides expected to contest second place in the group behind Ghana. Mali are [4.2] to win Group D, Guinea [7.0].
My feeling is the gap between the two sides isn't as big as those odds suggest. Mali have qualified for three of the last four finals, reaching the semi-finals in 2002 and 2004, but disappointed in Angola two years ago, going out against all odds in the first round, and have rebuilt since then. Barcelona's Seydou Keita is still there, but behind him there's an obvious lack of experience: 17 of Alain Giresse's squad are 25 or under.
There's a better mix in the Guinea ranks, with the likes of goalkeeper Naby Yattara and Ismael Bangoura providing a useful bridge between the squad's elder statesmen, such as seemingly ageless centre-half Bobo Balde and frustrating but occasionally brilliant playmaker-cum-goalscorer Pascal Feindouno, and the younger generation. The member of that younger generation that immediately leaps out is Sadio Diallo: this tall, graceful attacker has been excellent at Bastia in France's second division this season and appears on the point of a €4m move to Ligue 1 Rennes.
Looking at the prices, I'd rather take Guinea at [3.0] or The Draw at [3.2] than Mali at [2.6]. In order to avoid backing the wrong one of those two suggestions, an alternative would be to back Guinea -0 Asian handicap at [2.05]. That way, you'll make money if Guinea win, and get your stakes back if the game finishes all-square.
Over 2.5 goals is my other selection. This bet came off for us when Burkina Faso played Angola on Sunday. I'm selecting it again for the same reasons: 16 of 31 opening-round fixtures have featured three goals or more at the last four tournaments.
Best Bet: Guinea -0 Asian handicap @ [2.05]
Other Recommended Bet: Over 2.5 Goals @ [2.34]
* 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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