Africa Cup of Nations Group D continues with Ivory Coast facing South Africa on Monday afternoon (Eurosport, kick-off: 15:30 BST).
The Elephants battle Bafana Bafana searching for a first ever win over the Rainbow Nation but are 11/10 favourites with Coral to get it.
That is because the Ivory Coast come into the tournament off the back of a resounding 4-1 victory over 2012 AFCON final conquerors Zambia.
As the Elephants have won four of their last five internationals and South Africa just one in six, they look worthy favourites.
Bafana Bafana aren’t winning many matches but nor are they losing them. Five of their last six games finished level.
That makes a draw no bet and siding with the Ivory Coast at 1/2 with Coral very tempting indeed.
It used to be South Africa that had the best players. While the Elephants’ golden generation have gone, they still have far more talent exported to Europe.
Gulf in class
Only six of Bafana Bafana internationals selected by head coach Stuart Baxter play abroad. The Ivory Coast, meanwhile, have just six that aren’t playing in Europe and it’s some contrast.
South African players simply aren’t testing themselves at a high enough level regularly. That makes the Elephants on paper look a shoe in to win.
Aston Villa forward Jonathan Kodjia and Lyon counterpart Maxwel Cornet both scored in that defeat of Zambia.
It’s just the tip of iceberg as Ivorian ranks also include Crystal Palace star Wilfried Zaha, breakout Lille winger Nicolas Pepe and Max Gradel in attack.
With arguably the most deep forwards roster at AFCON, the Elephants also have a strong midfield containing Franck Kessie and Jean Michael Seri.
The calibre of players in their squad is simply superior, so Ivory Coast should win. FIFA world rankings also support this with the Elephants 10 places above Bafana Bafana.
Bet of the Day: 1/2 with Coral, Ivory Coast draw no bet against South Africa.
