Football Bet of the Day: Elephants to storm past Panthers

Groups E and F at the Africa Cup of Nations reach their conclusion on Wednesday and our Bet of the Day comes from the latter. Holders Ivory Coast are tied with Cameroon on four points after the pair drew 1-1 on Sunday and currently sit top of the pool courtesy of their superior fair play record.

The Ivorians face a talented Gabonese team that has yet to pick up a point but still has slim hopes of qualification. Expect some magical football in Marrakesh between two sides whose best play comes on the break.

Gabon vs Ivory Coast Odds

Ivory Coast made headlines and then history when winning AFCON two years ago, sacking Jean-Louis Gasset after finishing third in the group stages and appointing his assistant Emerse Fae.

Fae then guided Les Elephants to their third continental crown and is set to guide his country at this summer's World Cup.

After their difficulties two years ago, the former Reading midfielder will be looking to leave nothing to chance and will send his side out in Marrakesh with the express aim of winning the game.

The holders began their defence with a 1-0 win over Mozambique before drawing 1-1 with Cameroon.

Wednesday's fixture should be more open, though, against a Gabon side whose best hope of victory is goals.

They lost their opening game 1-0 to Cameroon and then lost a 3-2 classic to Mozambique.

Like the Euros, AFCON's formula of the four best third-placed teams qualifying keeps their hopes alive but only a victory will do for Les Pantheres.

Thierry Mouyouma has plenty of quality to pick from, but his best players are attackers, including Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

Gabon's offensive approach is best summed up by the coach's decision to field Galatasaray's Mario Lemina in defence.

Lemina has featured at the back for Gala this season, but his best football has always been played as a midfielder, with his energy, passing, and skill making him an ideal box-to-box option in his prime.

At 32, those days might be behind the former Fulham, Southampton and Juventus man, but his willingness to pass through the lines and carry possession out of the defence are key to Gabon's play.

The situation dictates that they have to attack, while the Ivory Coast are unlikely to rotate in their bid to secure top seeding, especially as the Group F runner-up will face South Africa in the last 16.

It could be a magical night in Marrakesh, but the Elephants' additional class can carry them to an entertaining win.

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