🌍⚽Sportsbet.io AFCON 2024 prediction pool discussion thread

[buwaytress]

Apparently Salah felt something in training but they risked him any way, total assholes.

They’e ruined it for themselves now. Hope they go out tonight, come on Cape Verde.

Hearing he's returning to Liverpool to get medical attention. I'd rather he not get rushed in. We seem to just be dishing out players to be returned broken.

The same disallowed goal wrecked my exact score. CasperBGD must be investigated for using unreleased and unregulated AI to generate predictions.  How do you manage to get exact scoreline from this crazy results

No way man, i checked the results in the minute 90 of both games, and i was having two exact scores, i made a few check in other things and when i return to see how it ended.... total desilusional for me, 2-2 in both games with goals from nowhere, fuck!.

And then, for these games, I had 1 exact score for Ghana and 0 for Egypt drawing until 90th minute. Then injury time flipped my exact scores...  and then finally, Egypt managed to make it 0...

Strange days for AFCON but Nigeria must be loving it.

[Igebotz]

My fear is that with the hosts going out, the attendance to matches which were already low would drop significantly. Citizens would no longer be motivated to go to the games and there may not be enough traveling fans to fill the grounds.

No. AFCON becomes more exciting from the round of 16, when knocked-out fans will have to support their neighbouring teams, while Arab fans remain behind to support their Arab countries. The Ivorian will stick behind to support their French-speaking brothers. Ghana brothers will stay back to support any team against Nigeria. 

Strange days for AFCON but Nigeria must be loving it.

The entire Nigeria is celebrating, not because we qualified, but because our biggest rival Ghana was eliminated after blowing a 2:0 lead.

This is becoming one of the best AFCONs since 2013. I am thoroughly loving the game.

Salah was at the game and is still present; he may have changed his mind about travelling to the The UK and staying in Ivory Coast to receive medical attention; I'm guessing he is reading our messages.

Lost all my point in 90+ mins hahah  Ghana and Egypt bottled it.

[casperBGD]

~snip
The entire Nigeria is celebrating, not because we qualified, but because our biggest rival Ghana was eliminated after blowing a 2:0 lead.

Ghana conceived 3 goals in overtime in 3 matches on AFCON, something is wrong with them
and first goal brought them to lose against Cape Verde, while two last night got them to draw against Mozambique, and left AFCON

Cape Verde on the other side scored 2 goals in overtime, to win over Ghana, and to get point against Egypt, they seems as Germany of Africa playing till last moment

[Igebotz]

~snip
The entire Nigeria is celebrating, not because we qualified, but because our biggest rival Ghana was eliminated after blowing a 2:0 lead.

Ghana conceived 3 goals in overtime in 3 matches on AFCON, something is wrong with them
and first goal brought them to lose against Cape Verde, while two last night got them to draw against Mozambique, and left AFCON

Cape Verde on the other side scored 2 goals in overtime, to win over Ghana, and to get point against Egypt, they seems as Germany of Africa playing till last moment

Ghana has not won a single game in the last two AFCON tournaments—6 games, 0 wins. The team was on the verge of breaking down following their horrible performance at the World Cup; they survived, but I doubt they will survive this one. There was an attack on the team bus following yesterday's game. Players are okay.

6 hours of power outage after Ivory Coast lost their game; please remind them that they still have a chance of qualifying as the best losers. We need light. 

[cryptofrka]

Wow Ghana, I just saw that they got eliminated for blowing a 2-0 goal lead against Mozambique in extra time.

This AFCON has some crazy stories, the top goalscorer is currently Equatorial Guinea's Emilio Nsue, a spanish 3rd Division right-back who couldn't get games in the Bosnian league 2 years ago.
Some of you might remember him from La Liga, he played a few seasons for Mallorca before moving to Middlesbrough.

He plays as a striker for Equatorial Guinea, and apparently he's good at it - at least on this level.

[darxiaomi]

One thing what seems clear is some of the best footballers in the teams doesnt play at the 100% of their capacities. And for me that is pure guilt of the african federation and this seems the same in the asian one, WHY you play this cup in the middle of the european torunaments? Why dont play like eurocup or america cup, so maybe the players were much more relaxed and they play at 100% without the fear of being injured.

[buwaytress]

Some really familiar 0-0 vibes coming our way in Group C? Scoreless on both games at 55 mins (not watching so no idea if game is as yawn as the scoreline. Senegal understandable just want a draw. Edit: Ekambi's made amends at 56'!

Strange days for AFCON but Nigeria must be loving it.

The entire Nigeria is celebrating, not because we qualified, but because our biggest rival Ghana was eliminated after blowing a 2:0 lead.

This is becoming one of the best AFCONs since 2013. I am thoroughly loving the game.

Lost all my point in 90+ mins hahah  Ghana and Egypt bottled it.

Yeah, I'm definitely enjoying it a lot more than last edition. Even though all my early outrights won't win, it makes it especially cool to see some bigwigs out after this. Zeroed as well on both games after 91st minute. Drama not lacking in this edition!

[LTU_btc]

Gambia - Cameroon game was crazy, there was more action than in whole previous edition of AFCON. In 2nd half things and emotions were changing like roller-coaster. Gambia taking lead on 85th minute and still lost the game. It already looked that they managed to make score 3:3 and eliminate Cameroon, but their goal was obvious handball.
Anyway, happy that Cameroon got qualified.

[casperBGD]

Gambia - Cameroon game was crazy, there was more action than in whole previous edition of AFCON. In 2nd half things and emotions were changing like roller-coaster. Gambia taking lead on 85th minute and still lost the game. It already looked that they managed to make score 3:3 and eliminate Cameroon, but their goal was obvious handball.
Anyway, happy that Cameroon got qualified.

happy for Cameroon too
somehow they are my favorites from Africa since Roger Milla scoring goals on a track in Italy '90 world cup
but can't see them reaching far, next round passing maybe, but that is probably it

Angola and Mauritania being up on HT, seems that Algeria will hit the road as well, they can play Ghana friendly next week
zero points for all in Superbru at these results

[Harkorede]

One thing what seems clear is some of the best footballers in the teams doesnt play at the 100% of their capacities. And for me that is pure guilt of the african federation and this seems the same in the asian one, WHY you play this cup in the middle of the european torunaments? Why dont play like eurocup or america cup, so maybe the players were much more relaxed and they play at 100% without the fear of being injured.

I could careless about when it's being player, January or June why the hell should it matter ? Players get injured during training don't they ? Not trying to get injured is nothing short of an unreasonable excuse for any player here, If you really can't play for your country then where lies your integrity, if they didn't want to represent the national country, no player is being forced to by FIFA or any governing body, they could announce their country side retirement and they won't get punished for it, Onana did retire from national football at the last AFCON and nothing happened, his country moved on, and before he rescinded on his decision. Asia and Africa are two different geographical location from Europe and they decide to play their continental tournament when the weather is most favorable to them, If FIFA can because whatsoever reason to shift the World as a major tournament because Qatar was supposedly hosting to the middle of the league just barely over a year ago, and every player on the continent were clamoring to be there, Asian Cup and AFCON shouldn't be of any exception if they're choosing to very early into the year either due climatic factors and other reasonable factors, if we are still considering Football to be an all inclusive sport, after all they world doesn't evolve around Europe alone, and more so even during the Euro Competitions their still some leagues in Europe that have league matches up and running too.

Bottom line: Scouts from all over the world are definitely watching and following these games, so if any player can't represent their country with their integrity, I wonder why any club would expect loyalty from such player if there is a sudden change in circumstance, because a lot of these players were scouted from their national teams during the Under 17 - Under 23 competitions, why then should there the be a circumstance as such that would make them not represent those flags, there is saying "When you sell your brother, even your buyer will not trust you.", but just that these time they are not selling their Brothers, they're selling the place they all call "Home!"

[darxiaomi]

One thing what seems clear is some of the best footballers in the teams doesnt play at the 100% of their capacities. And for me that is pure guilt of the african federation and this seems the same in the asian one, WHY you play this cup in the middle of the european torunaments? Why dont play like eurocup or america cup, so maybe the players were much more relaxed and they play at 100% without the fear of being injured.

I could careless about when it's being player, January or June why the hell should it matter ? Players get injured during training don't they ? Not trying to get injured is nothing short of an unreasonable excuse for any player here, If you really can't play for your country then where lies your integrity, if they didn't want to represent the national country, no player is being forced to by FIFA or any governing body, they could announce their country side retirement and they won't get punished for it, Onana did retire from national football at the last AFCON and nothing happened, his country moved on, and before he rescinded on his decision. Asia and Africa are two different geographical location from Europe and they decide to play their continental tournament when the weather is most favorable to them, If FIFA can because whatsoever reason to shift the World as a major tournament because Qatar was supposedly hosting to the middle of the league just barely over a year ago, and every player on the continent were clamoring to be there, Asian Cup and AFCON shouldn't be of any exception if they're choosing to very early into the year either due climatic factors and other reasonable factors, if we are still considering Football to be an all inclusive sport, after all they world doesn't evolve around Europe alone, and more so even during the Euro Competitions their still some leagues in Europe that have league matches up and running too.

Bottom line: Scouts from all over the world are definitely watching and following these games, so if any player can't represent their country with their integrity, I wonder why any club would expect loyalty from such player if there is a sudden change in circumstance, because a lot of these players were scouted from their national teams during the Under 17 - Under 23 competitions, why then should there the be a circumstance as such that would make them not represent those flags, there is saying "When you sell your brother, even your buyer will not trust you.", but just that these time they are not selling their Brothers, they're selling the place they all call "Home!"

Man, i think like you and i support your way of thinking but the world doesnt work on that way, i can assure you because i know that a lot of players dont put all when their play in some cases, and this is one.

For example here (in sudamerica) when a player is sounded or already signed with an european team you can see how he stop playing super hard for the team and start to preserv his legs, he donest go to the clashes with all his effort and avoid hard playing.

Here is clearly the same super teams playing bad...... clearly they are playing with 70% of their force and the weak ones are fully commited to the national cause.

Do you think someone like X wants to go ultra hard in a clash and ended with a break bone? NO, because he knows he have to secure his carrer in europe and that can end his carreer.

Sorry but i see that in this tournament.

[Harkorede]

....

Do you think someone like X wants to go ultra hard in a clash and ended with a break bone? NO, because he knows he have to secure his carrer in europe and that can end his carreer.

Yeah, I totally agree with your points and I can categorically say you're right and we can say some players are rather tired, than others too, I mean players from England for instance play all through the festivities and whatnot(and their form from club side is a replica of what they displaying rn), all I was just saying is that it is a very wrong mindset to have and the players would be doing themselves more harm than good, because they're already being replaced by their respective clubs partially or otherwise, and whatever they're failing to do right now, they're other players who barely have a name for themselves and are giving it their all on the pitch and it often doesn't go unrewarded, look at the Senegalese team for instance, vast majority of them are playing in Europe too (top 5 leagues, precisely), and quite a number of them got a good transfer right after their last victory in the previous tournament, Algeria once had one of the most player paying at the highest level in Europe they still are but not compared to when they were probably the most feared team in Africa football.


_______________________________


That said, this has got to be the most unpredictable AFCON tournament I've seen my entire life!

[cryptofrka]

...
there is saying "When you sell your brother, even your buyer will not trust you.", but just that these time they are not selling their Brothers, they're selling the place they all call "Home!"

Isn't it that most African teams don't really have that national pride between the players?
I always imagine AFCON as a tournament in which European players of African descent that haven't really seen Africa fight for spots in these teams to try and get better contracts across Europe.

That's how I basically see all of Africa's top teams - filled with 'mercenaries' - am I wrong here or not? It's just a feeling though, I didn't search for any statistics or data that would support it.

This is a great place to ask - which African teams have that 'pride' element and which are simply made of foreigners that care more about themselves than the national team's success?

[cygan]

the ghana football association (gfa) has reacted to its national team's elimination from the africa cup by relieving coach Chris Hughton of his duties. as the federation announced on wednesday night, the team's entire functional team has also been disbanded. as of tuesday evening, ghana no longer has a mathematical chance of reaching the round of 16...

[Woodie]

Wow Ghana, I just saw that they got eliminated for blowing a 2-0 goal lead against Mozambique in extra time.

You can't explain blowing out such a lead as if the match is fixed!
And I hear the fans had something to say about this and wanted to vent their anger on the boys for such an awkward performance from being a qualifying team to changing the narrative of packing bags and going home 

This AFCON has some crazy stories, the top goalscorer is currently Equatorial Guinea's Emilio Nsue, a spanish 3rd Division right-back who couldn't get games in the Bosnian league 2 years ago.
Some of you might remember him from La Liga, he played a few seasons for Mallorca before moving to Middlesbrough.

He plays as a striker for Equatorial Guinea, and apparently he's good at it - at least on this level.

Strange things are happening in this AFCON...

Apparently, rumour has it that the Vice president of Equatorial Guinea is paying him(or team) $50,000 for each goal scored, talk about motivation, I bet they thought these guys wouldn't get a goal, and against all odds goals are pouring in & making bank and the best part is that they are still in the tournament 
This AFCON am still rooting for CApe VERde to do wonders as am impressed with how they are playing, year of the underdog!

[Igebotz]

That's how I basically see all of Africa's top teams - filled with 'mercenaries' - am I wrong here or not? It's just a feeling though, I didn't search for any statistics or data that would support it.

Most of these "merchenaries" thought they could make it away from home and ended up being used and abandoned after competing and winning at all junior levels. This is particularly common with the England national team because the majority of the junior players are of African descent; they are used at the junior levels, but most of them never advance to the senior level, and when their African country call, the majority of them take advantage. There are plenty of them in the Nigeria team.

These were players who represented the English team at all junior levels, won everything, and then were put out to dry. One thing I've seen is that these types of players consistently give their all for their Africa national teams.

We tried to bring Ross Barkley home a few years ago, but he declined. I assume he didn't realise his England career would end in three years. Victor Moses and Igalo all returned home to win the AFCON in 2013.

This is a great place to ask - which African teams have that 'pride' element and which are simply made of foreigners that care more about themselves than the national team's success?

That pride factor is no longer present in the Nigeria National Team; it has been gone since 2013, and we now only have players helping our corrupt FA steal. Only the older players from the 2013 AFCON winning team play for the badge. The rest are attempting to secure a better offer in Europe.

Senegal, Cameroon, Bokina Faso, Zambia, Gambia, and all of Guinea (countries )are among the few African countries that play with pride. The others are just icing on the cake.

[buwaytress]

Re mercenaries, it's not an Africa thing, it's a third world (I'm 3rd world so it's not an offensive terms against myself, is it? haha) thing. It's not for me, I was born where I was born, and raised there. Spent half my life abroad but can't get rid of where I come from. I would never represent even outside my state, let alone outside my country, but I don't hold it against or blame anyone who wants a better future.

You've got, as I learnt recently, so many South and Central Americans with dual nationality and passports. They'll happily represent their nations but live in (West/Central) Europe. Same for Southeast Asians -- if they had the chance, they'd do it. We've got a few Malaysians playing for the shirt but really not living in Malaysia, usually wealthy mom/dad who hit it off with a spouse abroad. Same as Indonesia. You know them immediately from their accents or even inability to speak the local language.

I don't bear grudges, they played with the cards they're dealt with. On the extreme, you do have even Singaporeans though who own "mercenaries". Brazilians especially in football but also Africans who are given citizenship but with zero connections, and no requirement to integrate. They compete under the Singapore flag across all sports but we all don't see them as Southeast Asian.

But hey, you've got Dutch, English, Italians and Swiss who had zero connections but came from Europe itself -- Eastern bloc, or the Caucasus or Russia. Go look in lower leagues and find them all over, with flags you wouldn't guess from their names. Players who even switch nationality throughout their careers. USA players now playing for someone else. KdB even could have registered as African if he wanted to earlier in his youth.

Playing for pride? Wonderful dream but not everyone is lucky enough to be born in a position to be proud of the birth lottery ticket he got handed.

Oh and AFCON served us our first couple of 0-0s!

[un_rank]

No. AFCON becomes more exciting from the round of 16, when knocked-out fans will have to support their neighbouring teams, while Arab fans remain behind to support their Arab countries. The Ivorian will stick behind to support their French-speaking brothers. Ghana brothers will stay back to support any team against Nigeria. 

I guess that is every country tournament that exists. I notice it mostly at World cup where nations bond together to support neighboring countries. When it comes to continental countries, closer nations mostly banter each other rather than support themselves, same way local derbies are very keenly contested more than regular matches.

Good thing is that we are getting to the business end of the competition.

- Jay -

[Igebotz]

Yeah - rich mom wouldn't allow some to represent their roots. She gave Dad a better life. 

Playing for pride? Wonderful dream but not everyone is lucky enough to be born in a position to be proud of the birth lottery ticket he got handed.

Oh and AFCON served us our first couple of 0-0s!

Those answering Nigerian names and representing another country are not in any position to feel proud. Lol

[Harkorede]

Playing for pride? Wonderful dream but not everyone is lucky enough to be born in a position to be proud of the birth lottery ticket he got handed.

Oh and AFCON served us our first couple of 0-0s!

I was going to say this as well, no match have ended scoreless for in this tournament and one would say it's a very high scoring one so far, going by the standards set by the previous edition but there is only a goal score across 4 matches today, AFCON is really just making prediction get way more complicated, I could have had 2 exact score tonight, but I changed Morocco from 1-0 prediction to 2-0 just a few minutes before the kickoff as I thought Morocco should be able to score more than one goal.

The round of 16 fixtures are evenly distributed and majority of the matchups look a whole lot like some 50-50 affairs, It's going to be quite interesting and I guess that's the round that will likely show an hint of who the winner of the pool might be too.