MOROCCO v BENIN
Africa Cup of Nations
Friday 5th July 2019
Kickoff: 1800hrs
Pick: Morocco win
Bookmaker: Bet Victor
Odds: 1.50 (odds taken at 14:44 GMT, 05 July 2019)
We’re now into the knockout phase of the Africa Cup of nations and Friday night sees the first of two matches being played as Morocco take on Benin as the betting tips continue at the Al Salam Stadium.
Africa Cup of Nations at Bet Victor
Morocco Prediction – Can Morocco win fourth game on trot?
Morocco breezed through the group stages by finishing top of Group D with a 3-point margin over runners-up, Ivory Coast.
A 100% winning record during the group phase included wins against Namibia, Ivory Coast and South Africa, all by 1-0 margins.
This of course means that the Moroccans have still yet to concede in this Africa Cup pf Nations tournament, and they’ll be keen to add a fourth shut-out on Friday evening.
It’s been a positive turnaround in fortunes for Morocco who entered this year’s competition having lost 3 matches on the trot prior to the start.
Defeats to Argentina, Gambia and Zambia wasn’t exactly the ideal preparation for a major tournament but Herve Renard’s boys have responded well.
By finishing top of Group D, Morocco have avoided some of the heavyweights of this year’s Africa Cup of Nations in this round of 16.
The likes of Senegal, Egypt and Cameroon have also made the knockout stages so Morocco will need to record a win to stay in and also further boost their confidence.
Benin Prediction – Can Benin pull off an upset here?
Benin finished in 3rd place in their group and eventually finished as one of the best 3rd placed teams during the group stages.
This earned Benin a place in the knockout phase and a place in the round of 16 as they emerged from a strong Group F.
The four-nation Group F consisted of the likes of Ghana (who finished top) and Cameroon (runners-up) along with minnows, Guinea-Bissau.
Benin remained unbeaten throughout the group matches which was courtesy of three draws on the trot with Ghana, Guinea-Bissau and Cameroon.
They scored 2 goals against Ghana in a creditable 2-2 draw but drew blanks in each of their next two group matches, drawing 0-0 with both Guinea-Bissau and Cameroon.
Whilst all three results were solid and creditable, Benin have perhaps shown a lack of firepower up front, and this could cost them dear against Morocco.
Their opponents in this round of 16 have yet to concede in this tournament, so Benin will have their work cut out if they’re to progress to the quarter-finals.
Key-Facts – Morocco v Benin
- Morocco have won all 3 of their group matches in this competition to date
- Benin have failed to score in their last two matches of this tournament
- Morocco have won the previous two encounters against Benin, 6-1 and 4-0
Betting Tips Verdict
Morocco’s quality and know-how at this level should see them through against a Benin side who have exceeded all expectations to reach this stage.
