The first round of games at the 2021 African Cup of Nations (AFCON) might have come to an end, but that is not where it stops as the second round of group games pick up almost immediately.
Interestingly, the number of goals recorded in the first round has been one of the major talking points. Nine out of twelve games ended with a 1-0 scoreline, three of which came from the penalty spot. Two other matches ended in a goalless stalemate, and only one game – the opening match of the competition – recorded more than a goal.
But would such a state of goal starvation and a low level of appealing football display be the order of the day in the next round of games? Probably not!
Cameroon vs Ethiopia
Two goals in the opening game of the AFCON 2021 saw hosts Cameroon have a fine start in group A. Although scoring from the spot on both occasions, Cameroon would fancy their chances against an Ethiopia who are weaker in comparison to Cameroon’s first opponents, Burkina Faso.
For Ethiopia, it would most likely be their second defeat. Sadly, there is no way out of this one.
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Cape Verde vs Burkina Faso
Cape Verde ran away with a 1-0 win against Ethiopia in their first game and would hope they can consolidate on that when they play Burkina Faso. But that would not be the case, in the Burkinabe, they find a stronger opposition.
A goal against hosts Cameroon showed how serious of a side Burkina Faso’s side can be. Should Kamou Malo’s side go into their second Group A encounter with such a level of seriousness, perhaps they could get their first win. But Cape Verde know Cameroon await them next and would refuse to go down without a fight.
Senegal vs Guinea
A 97th-minute penalty proved to be the saving grace and gave the favorites Senegal all three points when they played Zimbabwe in their group B opener. In Guinea, Senegal finds an even stiffer opposition and this time, might not get lucky.
Guinea, on the other hand, will see this game as a chance to win this group. Should the Sadio Mane-captained side fail to look convincing again, Guinea might just get their desire and win their second game. In all, this game is bound to end with just a goal or none at all.
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