Africa Cup of Nations: Senegal v Zambia Odds and Betting Preview

BATA, EQUATORIAL GUINEA - Senegal have been well-supported by punters in the build-up to the 2012 African Cup of Nations and they begin their campaign this evening at the Estadio de Bata against under-dogs Zambia.

The favourites to win the game are Senegal, who can be backed at best odds of 8/11 with Ladbrokes. A draw after 90 minutes is a 5/2 shot with Sky Bet, and meanwhile a win for Zambia is on offer at 5/1 with bwin, BetVictor and Paddy Power.

Senegal were 9/1 shots just earlier this week with high-street bookmaker Ladbrokes, but a Newcastle-fuelled plunge on them has seen their odds to win the tournament shorten right into 11/2. Punters have been falling over themselves to back Papiss Cissé and Demba Ba’s national side, who have won 11 of their previous 13 games if you include friendlies. Captain Mamadou Niang told France Football this week that he is desperate to make amends six years after the scandalous semi-final defeat to hosts Egypt in the competition. The former Marseille striker has scored 20 goals in 43 appearances for Senegal, but now plays his club football in Qatar. Coach Amara Traoré knows the squad really well, but his side will need to cope with the pressure that goes with being one of the tournament favourites.

Zambia, otherwise known as the Copper Bullets, finished runners-up in the tournament back in 1994, but they are going to find life tough against the stars of Senegal. Goalkeeper Kennedy Mweene insists that his side are not going to the tournament simply to make up the numbers, but it looks like he is going to have his work cut out tonight if he is to keep a clean sheet against Niang’s side. Zambia warmed up for the tournament with a trip to India, but their recent form does not inspire too much confidence in them as a betting proposition. Striker Emmanuel Mayuka has only recently turned 21 but he could be the man to watch out for this evening.

The President of Zambia has reminded the players that ‘the Chipolopolo carry the Zambian flag, dreams, fears, hopes and the weight of expectations of the entire population’, and if that can inspire them, then maybe they can keep the scoreline against Senegal respectable, or even create an upset.

1-0 and 2-0 wins for Senegal can be backed at respective odds of 9/2 and 13/2 with William Hill. A 1-1 draw is on offer at 13/2 to Coral, but the 11/2 with bet365 on the same outcome could be interesting as they will refund losing stakes on the market if the game finishes 0-0. 2-1 and 3-0 to Senegal are at 8/1 and 14/1 respectively with Boylesports, and those who think that Zambia can sneak a win can try 1-0 to Hervé Renard’s men at 11/1 with Irish firm Paddy Power.

The first goalscorer market always attracts plenty of betting interest, and it will be intriguing to see what attack Senegal start with. Demba Ba is the second favourite in the top tournament goalscorer betting and is a 5/1 shot with bet365 to open the scoring tonight in Bata. Senegal could also strike through captain Niang who is on offer at 11/2 with Ladbrokes and is still a potent threat, whilst Lille’s Moussa Sow is a 6/1 poke with BetVictor. Zambia have options with Mayuka and Katongo in attack, who are at 16/1 and 12/1 respectively with bet365 to net first.

Senegal are 19/10 with Boylesports to lead the game at half-time and full-time, and it is 13/10 with bwin that both teams score. Over 2.5 goals is a 5/4 shot with Sky Bet, and Newcastle fans may fancy have a piece of the 10/1 with bet365 that Demba Ba scores two or more goals in the match.

The game kicks-off at 10.00pm local time on Saturday 21 January and is live on Eurosport (9.00pm UK time).

Senegal v Zambia Match Odds

Senegal v Zambia First Goalscorer Odds

Senegal v Zambia HT/FT Odds

Senegal v Zambia Correct Score Odds

2012 African Cup of Nations Winner Odds