Angola vs Burkina Faso Prediction: Stallions to overpower Antelopes in Group D decider

Angola are on the verge of a first Africa Cup of Nations knockout tie since 2010, but the Black Sable Antelopes must first navigate a route past Burkina Faso in their final Group D game on Tuesday evening (KO, 20:00).

Pedro Goncalves' side drew 1-1 with Algeria in their opening fixture before winning a 3-2 thriller against Mauritania to go top of the group, and with four third-placed teams granted passage to the Round of 16, their chances of making the knockouts already look good.

The opportunity is in their hands to achieve more, though. A win would guarantee top spot, negating the need for Mauritania to take points off Algeria, while a draw would ensure a top-two finish.

A difficult match contest awaits, however, with Burkina Faso - who beat Mauritania 1-0 before drawing 2-2 with Algeria - also aware that securing three points at the Charles Konan Banny Stadium (Yamoussoukro) will clinch first position for themselves.

Team News

Angola have no injury or disciplinary issues heading into this contest, so Goncalves could name an unchanged line-up from the one that beat Mauritania.

Burkina Faso have concerns over defender Adama Guira, though, after the 35-year-old was forced off before half-time against Algeria.

Ismahila Ouedraogo replaced the veteran in that game, and could fill in for him in this Group D decider.

Captain Bertrand Traore has scored in each of his nation's first two group fixtures, and he will be looking to earn his first start of the tournament after being eased into the action following a long injury lay-off.

Match Odds

Angola are 12/5 to win on Tuesday and secure top spot in Group D, while a draw - at 7/4 - would also see them achieve their aim. Victory for Burkina Faso, meanwhile, is priced at 5/4.

Both teams scored the last time they played each other - a 2-1 win for Angola in 2018 - and it's 5/4 for BTTS - Yes again.

Burkina Faso to win and under 3.5 goals @ 8/5

It's fair to say Burkina Faso boast the better squad out of the two, with the Stallions featuring a couple of high-profile players in Edmond Tapsoba and Bertrand Traore who have already caught the eye in Ivory Coast, so they justify their tag as favourites heading into this one.

It should still be a close encounter, with Angola impressively holding Algeria to a draw despite conceding an early goal.

The Black Sable Antelopes will likely set up in a way to frustrate their opponents on Tuesday, knowing a draw could be enough to finish top of Group D, and certainly enough to achieve a top-two finish.

That's why I don't envisage as many goals as there was in their previous game, nor Burkina Faso's, with a stalemate putting both sides on five points and securing berths in the Round of 16.

However, I think Burkina Faso have just enough to edge this encounter in Yamoussoukro with stronger options off the bench.

Bertrand Traore to score anytime @ 11/4

The Aston Villa winger is yet to start for his nation at this tournament, but he's slowly building his fitness up. Stoppage time included, the 28-year-old played nearly half an hour against Mauritania before featuring for just under 40 minutes against Algeria.

Traore scored from the penalty spot in both games, further highlighting his status as a clutch player for Burkina Faso.

It's not just from 12-yards where he has proved dangerous, though. Despite limited game time against Mauritania, Traore registered three shots - all on target - before managing two against Algeria.

He's the man Burkina Faso look to every time he steps onto the field, and 11/4 for Traore to score anytime - despite the uncertainty over whether he will start -  is a tempting price given the impact he has already made on the 2023 AFCON.

Check out the rest of our AFCON Betting Tips here.