The second round of Africa Cup of Nations 2027 qualifying brings four matches picked by Cameroonian sports journalist and betting expert Arthur Wandji, with selections ranging from corner markets to exact score scenarios.
Central African Republic v Burkina Faso – 28 September, 16:00 GMT
Betting option: fewer than 9.5 corners (1.53)
Both teams will be looking to recover after disappointing openings to their qualifying campaigns.
The Central African Republic have failed to keep a clean sheet in their past seven matches and are likely to face sustained pressure from Burkina Faso’s attack. The Burkinabe side will look to Edmond Tapsoba for defensive authority, while Dango Ouattara offers pace and direct threat on the wing.
Burkina Faso’s expected control of possession and territory could restrict the number of attacks developing down the flanks, making fewer than 9.5 corners the recommended selection.
Ethiopia v Senegal – 29 September, 13:00 GMT
Betting option: match score 2-0 or 0-2 (2.04)
Senegal began their qualifying campaign with a 1-1 draw away to Mozambique, with Nicolas Jackson on target and remaining one of Patrick Vieira’s main attacking options.
Ethiopia lost 1-0 to Sudan in their opening game. Their past six matches have produced an average of only two goals, while 67% of those fixtures finished with fewer than 2.5 goals.
Senegal will be without the injured Sadio Mane, and several experienced players are no longer part of the squad. However, after dropping points against Mozambique, the Lions are expected to respond strongly.
The suggested 2-0 or 0-2 scoreline reflects a closely contested match in terms of goals, but with Senegal given the clear advantage.
Somalia v Cote d’Ivoire – 29 September, 19:00 GMT
Betting option: an odd total number of goals (1.78)
Somalia were beaten 2-1 by Gambia, although Bilal Njie scored in the 72nd minute. Cote d’Ivoire, meanwhile, opened their campaign with a 2-0 victory against Ghana, with Malick Yalcouye and Franck Kessie providing the goals.
The Ivorian team have several attacking players capable of changing the game, while Somalia have not won any of their past 11 competitive matches. They have also failed to record a clean sheet in their last five outings.
Those trends leave room for a score beyond a narrow 1-0 result. An odd-goal total could therefore cover outcomes such as 1-0, 2-1 or 3-0.
Congo v Cameroon – 29 September, 19:00 GMT
Betting option: more than 3.5 first-half corners (1.40)
Although both sides may adopt a cautious approach through the middle of the pitch, the opening period is expected to be lively in wide areas, with wingers and full-backs providing the attacking impetus.
Emergency defensive challenges and crosses being blocked during the early attacks could lead to a quick accumulation of corners before half-time. Cameroon’s attack is considered capable of reaching four corners by itself, as it did against Comoros, when they won five before the interval.
Odds may change.