The African Nations Cup (AFCON) draw was held recently at Parc Des Expositions, Abidjan, Ivory Coast, the host country. This guide will focus on the AFCON Group E, where the Eagles of Carthage of Tunisia have been drawn with South Africa, Mali, and Namibia.
AFCON Group E – Details
While AFCON Group E has not been tagged as the group of death, it promises some exciting encounters. Bafana Bafana of South Africa is joined by Mali, Namibia, and North African giants, Tunisia in the Group.
What Teams Are in AFCON Group E?
The top two finishers of Group E will advance to the knockout stages, while the bottom two will be eliminated.
However, the third-placed team might still make it to the next stage depending on their points relative to third-placed finishers from other AFCON groups. Here, we analyse each of the teams in the Group E.
South Africa
The South African team will aim to replicate their 1996 form, in which they hosted and won the competition. It was their first appearance in the premier tournament, and they defeated Tunisia 2-0 in the final.
Following the success, they went on to finish runners-up and third place in 1998 and 2000, respectively, and have failed to go past the quarter-finals since then.
Tunisia
Tunisia will go into Group E as favourites, having ranked third in the last FIFA rankings (Africa). Jalel Kadri’s boys have not been impressive in the continental competition, having the highest finish of fourth place after winning in 2004.
However, with experienced players like Wahbi Khazri, Youssef Msakni, and Manchester United’s rising star, Hannibal Mejbri, the Eagles of Carthage will try to change their fortune this time out.
Mali
Before 2002, Mali seldom qualified for the main event, marking just two appearances. Since then, they have made it to every edition of the AFCON, except in 2006, where they failed to qualify.
In recent years, the Les Aigles have not gone beyond the semi-finals, finishing third place in 2012, and 2013. Nevertheless, the presence of Tottenham Hotspur’s in-form Midfielder Yives Bissouma and Everton’s Abdoulaye Doucoure will be enough drive to challenge for the AFCON title.
Namibia
Since the maiden edition of the AFCON in 1957, Namibia team has made three appearances and has been knocked out at the group stage on three occasions. They go into the Group E as underdogs and hope for a real string of luck to end their run of first-round elimination.
AFCON Group E Fixtures
The tournament kicks off on January 11, 2024, in Ivory Coast, and 52 games will be played nationwide. Stay up to date with the Group E fixtures here:
AFCON Group E Standings
We keep you updated on the latest happenings at the main event. Find the latest standings of the Group E here.
AFCON Group E Top Scorers
Generally, AFCON doesn’t boost high-scoring matches, with an average of two goals per game. Nevertheless, here are the potential top scorers for Group E.
Wahbi Khazri
Khazri is a forward who plays professional football for French side Montpellier.
He debuted for the Tunisian national team in 2012, having played for the nation’s under-20 football team. The 32-year-old is Tunisia’s top scorer among active players, with 25 goals in 71 caps.
Youssef Msakni
Msakni is Tunisia’s national team captain and plays as a forward for Al Arabi in the Qatar Stars League. The 33-year-old is a player to watch out for in Africa Cup of Nations’ Group E games, having scored 17 goals for the national team in 84 appearances.
Percy Tau
Tau is a South African professional player who plays club football for the Egyptian side Al Ahly. The 29-year-old sensation has been pivotal to Baganda Baganda, scoring 14 times in 39 games.
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AFCON Group E – Betting Tips
Having analysed AFCON Group E thoroughly, we suggest the following betting tips.
1X2
From performances in previous editions of the AFCON, current squad depth, and recent results, we do not see Namibia making it out of this group to the knockout stage. This means you can bet on the three other teams recording victories against Namibia.
Under 2.5
AFCON games generally have low-scoring matches with an average of two goals per game. Placing an Under 2.5 bet on a game means the total goals will not exceed two.
Correct Score
Over the years, 1-1, 1:0, and 2:0 have been the most frequent results at the AFCON. This trend is going to continue in the upcoming AFCON.
Bookings
AFCON referees do not hesitate to caution players for fouls, misconduct and recklessness on the field of play. The previous editions of AFCON have seen an average of four bookings per game, and the Group E matches will follow the same trend.
FAQs
Here are answers to frequently asked questions about Group E.
A draw was conducted to select teams in the Group E.
Tunisia is the favourite team to top the Group E.
Namibia is the underdog in the Group E.
Tunisia vs Mali, Tunisia vs South Africa, and Mali vs South Africa are the key matches in Group E to watch out for.