Côte d'Ivoire v Algeria Betting Tips [20 January 2022]

Could the Africa Cup of Nations defending champions be knocked out in the group stages? That will happen if Algeria can't get something from this final Group E game against Ivory Coast. The reigning champions have only earned one point from their two games so far and are yet to even score a goal. They drew 0-0 with Equatorial Guinea and then lost 1-0 to Sierra Leone. That leaves them with bottom, a point behind Equatorial Guinea, two adrift of Sierra Leone and three adrift of Ivory Coast. With Equatorial Guinea facing Sierra Leone in their final game, a positive result in that match would make life even more difficult for Algeria. Even a draw will put Algeria in serious danger of being knocked out.  The defending champions had gone 25 games without defeat coming into this tournament. Their last loss was to Morocco in 2019 and they had won their second round group in the 2022 World Cup qualifiers. Not scoring in their two games is hugely disappointing for Algeria. They have only conceded one goal in their last four game though. 

This tournament is more important to Ivory Coast than a lot of the teams taking part. The end of 2021 was not a good time for them as they were knocked out of the 2022 World Cup. A 1-0 away loss to Cameroon sealed their fate as they finished behind their rivals in the qualifying group. This is their big tournament of the year therefore and one they want to do well in. Their campaign began well with a 1-0 win over Equatorial Guinea. They should have won again against Sierra Leone, leading twice but in the end conceding a 93rd minute equalizer to leave the scores level at 2-2. They top the group by a point and are guaranteed a top three finish. Winning the group would most likely see them facing Egypt in the last 16. If Equatorial Guinea beat Sierra Leone, Ivory Coast will need to win this game to finish top, so there's a lot to play for. The loss to Cameroon is the only defeat they have suffered in their last 14 internationals. Five of their last seven games have been won. Algeria will come out all guns ablazing but the tip here is a double chance bet on Ivory Coast to win or draw this game.