AFCON Soccer 2024: Semifinal Predictions, Picks & Best Bets - Wed, 2/7
The AFCON stage is now set for the semifinals, and I've got a pair of AFCON Semifinal predictions for Wednesday’s games. Regrettably, my AFCON Quarterfinal predictions went 50% due to Ivory Coast staging a comeback against Mali. However, Nigeria's triumph over Angola allowed me to accurately nail my top pick in that match. The showdowns are slated to commence this Wednesday, making it crucial for you to peruse my AFCON Semifinal selections.
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AFCON SEMIFINAL PREDICTIONS: Nigeria ML & U3.5 Goals (-135 at DraftKings) and Ivory Coast vs. DR Congo O2.5 Goals (+180 at DraftKings)
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Predictions and Picks for Every 2024 AFCON Semifinal
In the upcoming 2024 AFCON Semifinals, there are two distinct matches to consider placing your bets on this week. I've highlighted my AFCON Semifinal predictions for the three-way money line in each game here:
- Nigeria (-170) | Draw (+255) | South Africa (+650)
- Ivory Coast (+115) | Draw (+190) | DR Congo (+320)
Additionally, you have the option to wager on AFCON Semifinal odds for each team's advancement. Here are my AFCON Semifinal selections for the potential contenders in the 2024 AFCON Final:
- Nigeria (-350) vs. South Africa (+265)
- Ivory Coast (-185) vs. DR Congo (+150)
Now that you're acquainted with my stance on each matchup, let's delve into my AFCON Semifinal choices for both games and dissect the rationale behind my anticipation of a Nigeria vs. DR Congo final.
AFCON Semifinals Best Bets Featuring Nigeria vs. South Africa and Ivory Coast vs. DR Congo
AFCON SEMIFINAL Best Bets Featuring Nigeria vs. South Africa: Nigeria ML & U3.5 (-135 at DraftKings)
Nigeria is on the brink of reaching the Africa Cup of Nations final after an impressive campaign, and only South Africa stands in their way. The Super Eagles, with a record-extending 15th semifinal appearance, aspire to face either Ivory Coast or Congo DR in the final this Sunday. They secured a fourth consecutive clean sheet against Angola in the quarterfinals, and Ademola Lookman continued to play well, scoring his third goal in the tournament.
However, South Africa is a formidable opponent and eliminated Morocco in the last 16 before overcoming Cape Verde in the quarterfinals. Goalkeeper Ronwen Williams played a crucial role in their success, saving penalties in a shootout. With their first semifinal appearance since 2000, Bafana Bafana seeks to outdo Nigeria, a team they have never beaten in the Cup of Nations.
Both teams enter the semifinal with solid defensive records, but Nigeria holds a physical edge, having navigated the knockout rounds without extra time or penalties. The stage is set for a compelling clash, and I'll be backing Nigeria ML and U3.5 Goals (-135 at DraftKings) as the first one of my AFCON Semifinal predictions. The Nigerians are the more talented team, all five of their 2024 AFCON games finished with fewer than 2.5 goals, and 10 of their last 12 competitive games finished with three goals or fewer.
AFCON SEMIFINAL Best Bets Featuring Ivory Coast vs. DR Congo: Over 2.5 Goals (+180 at DraftKings)
Ivory Coast is set to face Congo DR in the second semifinal of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations at the Alassane Ouattara Stadium on Wednesday, and my main bet is for the game to finish with Over 2.5 Goals (+180 at DraftKings).
This marks Ivory Coast's first game in Ebimpe since a 4-0 defeat against Equatorial Guinea in the group stage. Under new leadership from Emerse Fae, the Elephants overcame defending champions Senegal and secured a dramatic victory in the second period of extra time over Mali in the quarterfinals.
The biggest thing Ivory Coast has going for them is home support, and I expect the crowd will be fired up for this game. However, the DR Congo has a rest advantage and easily navigated their quarterfinal matchup against Guinea with a 3-1 victory. Chancel Mbemba, Yoane Wissa and Arthur Masuaku contributed to the scoring, which allowed the Leopards to reach the semifinals for the first time since 2015.
These teams last met at AFCON in 2017, resulting in a 2-2 draw, extending Congo DR's winless streak against Ivory Coast to two games. Ivory Coast will miss key players Serge Aurier, Odilon Kossounou and Oumar Diakite due to suspensions, and I anticipate a high-scoring affair as a result. Therefore, I'll close out my AFCON Semifinal predictions with a wager on Over 2.5 Goals (+180 at DraftKings).
Three of these teams' four meetings finished with 4+ goals, and I don't think Ivory Coast's defense will be as strong after their emotional win in the quarterfinals. Additionally, DR Congo is coming off their best-attacking game of the tournament and will yearn for more goals. Although both teams have strong defenses, I don't anticipate this game will be low-scoring, so I'll be backing O2.5 due to tired legs and previous history.
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AFCON Semifinals Odds and Betting Lines at DraftKings
DraftKings Sportsbook has a wide variety of AFCON Semifinal odds and betting markets available, and the likelihood of each team advancing to the final can be found here:
Nigeria vs. South Africa - Wednesday, February 7
- To Advance: Nigeria (-350) vs. South Africa (+265)
- Goal Total (Over/Under): O1.5 (-200) vs. U1.5 (+160)
Ivory Coast vs. DR Congo - Wednesday, February 7
- To Advance: Ivory Coast (-185) vs. DR Congo (+150)
- Goal Total (Over/Under): O1.5 (-175) vs. U1.5 (+140)
A $135 bet on Nigeria ML & U3.5 (-135 at DraftKings) against South Africa profits $100 if the two teams combine for three goals or less and Nigeria wins in 90 minutes. If you’d rather avoid the goal total, you can risk $170 on Nigeria ML (-170 at DraftKings) to earn $100 in profits if they win by any amount within 90 minutes.
Additionally, if you’d rather use the second of my AFCON Semifinal picks, a $100 bet on DR Congo to Advance (+150 at DraftKings) profits $150 if they upset Ivory Coast, while a $185 wager on Ivory Coast to Advance (-185 at DraftKings) returns $100 of winnings if they qualify for the AFCON Final.
Predicted Lineups and Injury Report for AFCON Semifinals Including Oumar Diakite
There shouldn’t be too many changes from the quarterfinals for the various AFCON predicted lineups for the semifinals. However, Ivory Coast’s Oumar Diakite will not be eligible to play after picking up two yellow cards in the quarterfinals. Here is how I expect each team will line up in the AFCON Semifinals:
Nigeria Predicted Lineup:
- GK: Nwabali
- DEF: Ajayi, Troost-Ekong and Bassey
- MID: Aina, Onyeka, Iwobi and Sanusi
- FWD: Simon, Lookman Osimhen
South Africa Predicted Lineup:
- GK: Williams
- DEF: Mudau, Kekana, Mvala and Modiba
- MID: Mokoena, Sithole, Morena, Zwane and Tau
- FWD: Makgopa
Ivory Coast Predicted Lineup:
- GK: Fofana
- DEF: Singo, Ndicka, Boly and Konan
- MID: Seri, Kessie, Pepe, Fofana and Adingra
- FWD: Haller
DR Congo Predicted Lineup:
- GK: M'Pasi
- DEF: Kalulu, Mbemba, Inonga and Masuaku
- MID: Pickel, Moutoussamy; Elia, Bongonda and Wissa
- FWD: Bakambu
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