Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifiers: Four match angles from the second round

The second round of Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying features four matches selected for betting analysis by Cameroonian sports journalist and betting expert Arthur Wandji.

Central African Republic v Burkina Faso – 28 September, 16:00 GMT

Betting option: fewer than 9.5 corners (1.53)

Both Central African Republic and Burkina Faso will be looking for a response after disappointing starts to their qualifying campaigns.

Central African Republic have failed to keep a clean sheet in their past seven matches, leaving their defence facing sustained pressure from a Burkina Faso attack expected to create the majority of the match’s momentum.

Burkina Faso will look to central defender Edmond Tapsoba for defensive stability, while the pace and direct running of winger Dango Ouattara could help them control the game. That anticipated technical superiority may restrict Central African Republic’s opportunities to attack down the flanks, making fewer than 9.5 corners the suggested option.

Ethiopia v Senegal – 29 September, 13:00 GMT

Betting option: match score 2-0 or 0-2 (2.04)

Senegal opened their qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw against Mozambique, although Nicolas Jackson was on target and remains one of Patrick Vieira’s principal attacking threats.

Ethiopia lost 1-0 to Sudan in their opening fixture. Their past six matches have produced an average of only two goals, while 67% of those games finished with fewer than 2.5 goals.

Senegal will be without the injured Sadio Mane, and several established players are no longer part of the squad. However, after dropping points against Mozambique, the Lions are expected to seek a decisive response.

The recommended scoreline covers a low-scoring match in which Senegal hold complete control, with either a 2-0 victory for Senegal or a 0-2 defeat for Ethiopia.

Somalia v Cote d’Ivoire – 29 September, 19:00 GMT

Betting option: total goals to be odd (1.78)

Somalia were beaten 2-1 by Gambia, with Bilal Njie scoring in the 72nd minute. Cote d’Ivoire began their campaign with a 2-0 win against Ghana, secured by goals from Malick Yalcouye and Franck Kessie.

Cote d’Ivoire have several attacking players capable of changing the scoreline. Somalia, meanwhile, have not won any of their past 11 competitive matches and have failed to keep a clean sheet in their last five outings.

Those figures leave room for a result beyond a 1-0 scoreline. An odd total of goals would cover possible outcomes including 1-0, 2-1 and 3-0.

Congo v Cameroon – 29 September, 19:00 GMT

Betting option: more than 3.5 corners in the first half (1.40)

The match may be cautious through the centre of the pitch, but the opening period is expected to feature plenty of activity on the wings as wide midfielders and full-backs look to attack.

Early challenges and blocked crosses during the first forward movements from both sides could quickly lead to a succession of corners before half-time. Cameroon’s attack is considered capable of reaching four corners on its own, as it did against Comoros when the Indomitable Lions had five before the interval.

Odds may change.